Seemingly available only on Apple’s website and in its stores, Incase’s 6″ Sync and Charge Lightning to USB Cable ($25) is one of the more visually distinct third-party Lightning cords we’ve yet seen. Functionally, it’s just what you’d expect from any other connector: one end has a USB plug, the other Lightning, and it can be plugged into a computer or charger to sync and power up a compatible iPad, iPhone, or iPod. Its coloration and abbreviated length make it a little bit different from the rest of the field though.
Although others have been announced, this is the shortest Lightning cable we’ve yet seen. It measures half a foot from the end of one plug to the end of the other, and instead of traditional white or the slightly less common black, comes in a shade of light blue. The cord is short enough that there’s some rigidity to it, allowing the cable to hold a straight position, but not preventing it from bending and curling as necessary. The casing around the Lightning plug is, not surprisingly, larger than on Apple’s own cables, but still relatively narrow. It’ll be compatible with most cases.
$25 is a lot to pay for a simple cable, and it’s a $6 premium over what Apple charges for its 1m and 0.5m Lightning to USB Cables. For the extra cost, we expect more, not less. There is something to be said for a small cable when it comes to travel though, or packing up a bag, and some people just really like the color blue. Ultimately, while there’s nothing wrong with 6” Sync and Charge Lightning to USB Cable, it just costs too much for what it is without adding any true value. This earns it a C+ rating.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Incase
Website: www.GoIncase.com
Models: 6” Sync and Charge Lightning to USB Cable
Price: $25
Compatible: iPad (4th-Gen), iPad mini, iPhone 5, iPod nano 7G, iPod touch 5G
