Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter not working

I have bought the USB 3 adapter from the Apple store and I have been unsuccessful in seeing it work.

Here's how I attempt to use it:

1. Connect power to the dongle
   1. I have used the iPad official charger, a MacBook pro charger
2. Connect USB accessory to the dongle
3. Connect dongle to iOS device (iPads, iPhones, iPod touch: result is always the same)

Result: It will not work

I have observed a few things:

• It offers an update upon connection but accepting the update simply dismisses the popup
  • Charging stops and no update progress can be seen anywhere
  • I waited over an hour and firmware is and remains 1.0.1 for the dongle
• Power seems to go through normally when connected (iPad charges) but stops if I accept the update that never completes

I have attempted to hook up different devices to the adapter.

• DJ controller
• USB audio interfaces
  • 3 different models - 2 that are sold as being iPad compatible
• USB drives
  • 4 different models

I have tried the following troubleshooting steps:

• Force power cycle iOS device
• Update iOS device to 15.2.1
• Different power cables
• Different power adapters
• Insert the dongle upside down (tried both ways)
• Wait a month
• Tried on a full moon

At this point my guess is that I have a faulty device but if you are aware of anything that could prevent it to work, I'll be glad to know