Replacement iPad Air cable

Tom Wolsky wrote:

C to C. Thanks. I’ll check out the Monoprice cables.

It's a bit frustrating finding high speed cables. Most seem to be the slower speed cables, but where the user is content with 3A or 5A rating. But then the higher speed cables cost a lot more and are generally going to be shorter.

I mentioned Monoprice. There will be way too many variations in color and capabilities, but these are some of their 5A USB 3.2 Gen 2 cables in a 1m length.

https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Durable-Type-C-Reinforced-Nylon-Braid/dp/B083G72D17

I use UGreen USB-C cables and they work fine. Currently using a braided Green USB-C to USB-C cable for my M1 MacBook Air.

UGREEN USB-C to USB-C Cable - Amazon.com

I've also used Amazon Basics Lightning cables and they always last me many, many years. The Last one I replaced, was the one I bought in 2016 for my 2015 iPad Pro. I replaced that one in 2022.

I can only assume their USB-C offerings are just as good.

Anker also seems to have good quality cables.

Presumably you refer to a fifth generation iPad Air. The USB-C port specification is USB 3.1 Gen 2 (i.e., supports up to 10Gb/s transfer rate).

If using non-Apple cables, you’ll want to choose a cable that meets (or exceeds) USB 3.1 Gen 2 / USB4 specifications. Ideally, choose a certified USB-C cable.

Do you need USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C? For iPads I'm not sure what the data transfer speed is. I know Apple doesn't suppose more than 480 mbit/sec unless you go with Thunderbolt.

I've got a bunch of no name ones, but when I need reliability I use Monoprice cables I bought from Amazon.

Tom Wolsky wrote:

Thank you. I would certainly never buy an Apple cable as they’re the worst cables I’ve ever had.

I have never bought an Apple OEM cable, ever. The only ones I own were either ones that came in the box or that I got as a warranty replacement. They cost too much and I've found a lot of them didn't last terribly long given the extreme premium price at retail. About all I might consider might be the proprietary stuff like a MagSafe 3 cable. Those are actually quite good, but they better be for $50.

I can get MFi Lightning cables so much cheaper than what Apple charges and they work fine. And USB-C is industry standard so I don't really need Apple for that. Then Apple doesn't even have a USB-A to USB-C cable.