iPhone charger (with the type C outlet), can pass malware ?

Short answer: While it’s theoretically possible for a compromised or counterfeit cable to pose some risk, using authentic Apple or MFi-certified cables significantly mitigates this risk.

Longer answer: Apple charger cables, particularly the ones used with iPhones, contain several integrated circuits (ICs) that help manage power delivery and ensure device compatibility. The main chips commonly found in these & even non-Apple cables include:

• E75 Chip: This is the authentication chip used in Lightning cables. It verifies the authenticity of the cable, ensuring that only Apple-approved accessories are used.
• Cypress CYPD21xx: This is a USB-C controller chip often found in USB-C to Lightning cables. It manages power delivery and communication between the cable and the connected devices.
• PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit): This chip handles power management, ensuring that the right amount of power is delivered to the device, protecting it from over-voltage or over-current scenarios.
• EEPROM: Some cables include EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) for storing firmware and other operational parameters. As for the potential of these chips being infected with malware, it’s highly unlikely for a few reasons:

• Authentication and Encryption: The E75 authentication chip and other similar components use encryption to ensure secure communication between the cable and the device. This makes it difficult for unauthorized modifications or malware to be introduced.
• Controlled Manufacturing: Apple has stringent manufacturing controls and supply chain management to prevent tampering or the introduction of malicious components. Apple’s MFi (Made for iPhone) certification program ensures third-party accessories meet their strict standards.
• Limited Functionality: The chips in these cables have very specific and limited functions related to power management and device authentication. They do not have the capability to execute arbitrary code, which is necessary for malware.

The answer is simple. If you use Apple’s branded charger and cable you cannot be hacked and your iPad is not infected. There are some stories out there about chargers and cables being modified with malicious software that activates when you plug them in. Remember the golden rule, if it sounds too good to be true don’t do it. Buy your cables and chargers directly from Apple or recognized brands like Belkin for example. Don’t buy them from iffy sites or Chinese online retailers like Temu.