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Lightning to USB Cable (2 meters) - Still Available Anywhere?

Quick question - Are Lightning to USB 2 meter length cables still being sold?

More detailed information:

I have an iPad Mini 5th Generation, bought new in 2019. I needed to replace the charging cable today (after gettiing that dreaded "Not Charging" message too many times this week). My local Apple Store only had the 1 meter length in stock. Despite my STRONG preference for the 2 meter length, I bought the shorter one so I would have something. I figured, no problem, I'll check a few other stores in the mall for the 2 meter one, but I had no success at AT&T, T-Mobile, and a cell phone supply store. I was going to stop at Staples on my way home, but I was exhausted, and bad weather was on the way. So I figured I would order one online after I got home.

Much to my dismay, though, the Lightning to USB 2 Meter Cable doesn't seem to be sold any more. I realize that newer Apple devices use a different type of cable, so maybe Apple keeps just one size in stock for those who still use older devices, and maybe one day soon, we won't even be able to get these.

I'm also a person who prefers Apple brand cables, but if someone else, such as Belkin, still makes this cable, I would be glad to explore this option. Just point me in the right direction. I already know from unfortunate experience several years ago that the cables made for newer devices won't fit my old iPad.

If it matters, I am in the United States, still a brick-and-mortar store supporter, but willing to buy online if that's the only way to get something. Also, I'm not desperate enough (yet) to settle for a used component.

Thanks for any help anyone can give me on this. I prefer responses that are emoji-free and emoticon-free.

iPad mini 5, iPadOS 18

Posted on Feb 8, 2025 7:31 PM

Similar questions

27 replies

Mar 4, 2025 8:41 AM in response to Chattanoogan

Chattanoogan wrote:

Thanks for providing this VERY well-written piece.

While I have attempted to keep the description as non-technical as practicable, I hope others will find the explanation helpful in better understanding the naming and function of the various USB connection types.

I have intentionally confined the explanation to physical connections and basic interface information; I made a conscious decision to avoid the additional complications of USB generations and their technical differences/implementation.

Mar 4, 2025 8:55 AM in response to Zurarczurx

Zurarczurx wrote:

LotusPilot wrote:

"The product description will be more accurately expressed as USB Type-A to Lightning."

When? They still call it USB on their UK website.

USB-C to USB Adapter - Business - Apple (UK)

As I have already outlined, Apple continue to use their original product description for their USB [Type-A] to Lightning cables.

We can only speculate as to Apple's reasoning for maintaining the original product description in favour of what is now a more appropriate (and technically correct) description of the cable. Other products that employ a USB Type-A connection may be similarly identified by Apple as "USB".

It is perhaps a notable but subtle point that Apple still makes distinction between "USB" (without qualification) and "USB-C". Within Apple product descriptions, you might therefore reasonably imply that "USB" actually refers to USB Type-A.

rslitman Author

Level 1

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Mar 4, 2025 3:48 PM in response to Zurarczurx

Is this 2 meters or 1 meter? Also, I see that you noted the price in pounds from the UK website. I am in the United States. If you are getting a match on a 2-meter Lightning to USB cable on the Apple website, it may be available in the UK but not in my country.

rslitman, the Author or the Original Poster, but please, NEVER the OP - Thanks for respecting this preference in the future.

rslitman Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 4, 2025 3:55 PM in response to Chattanoogan

My pronouns are she/her. Please don't assume that all computer users are male! (In fact, to revert to sexist attitudes, the fact that I don't know much about USB terminology should have been an indicator that I am female!)

Mar 2, 2025 12:15 PM in response to rslitman

From Apple’s Online Store:

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MW2R3AM/A

https://store.apple.com/xc/product/HRGL2ZM/A

Katana-San

Level 10

81,097 points

Mar 2, 2025 12:54 PM in response to rslitman

Hello~ The last post by *Chattanoogan* answers you more fully than I did. Sorry and you take care.

~Katana-San~

Mar 2, 2025 1:34 PM in response to Zurarczurx

If your power adaptor has a USB-C port …

… those cables will work with any iPhone or iPad containing a Lightning port.

Zurarczurx

Level 4

2,582 points

Mar 2, 2025 1:40 PM in response to Chattanoogan

I'm confused as **** now. First you say the USB-A to lightning isn't correct. Now you're saying that the USB-C to lightning cable isn't correct. What is the OP looking for?

Mar 2, 2025 1:56 PM in response to Zurarczurx

Dunno.

I think he/she is now quite well-armed with more info and options than they ever thought they needed … or even asked for. 🤣

Katana-San

Level 10

81,097 points

Mar 2, 2025 2:18 PM in response to Chattanoogan

Chattanoogan wrote:

Dunno.

I think he/she is now quite well-armed with more info and options than they ever thought they needed … or even asked for. 🤣

Hello~ Me,too!! 😜😜

~Katana-San~

Mar 2, 2025 5:31 PM in response to rslitman

LOL … Trust me, you’re barely scratching the surface of the widespread confusion caused by the current state of USB-related terminology.

If a picture is worth a whole lot of words:

Mar 4, 2025 7:54 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for providing this VERY well-written piece.

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Lightning to USB Cable (2 meters) - Still Available Anywhere?