Belkin releases a Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable with MFi certification, allowing modern iPhone users to bypass the infamous dongle.
Belkin Lightning To 3.5mm Audio Cable Has No Need For Adapters
The Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable eliminates the need for a dongle if users want to connect their iPhone to a car stereo or a speaker. It has a 3.5mm output on one end and a male Lightning connector on the other, which lets the iPhone connect to any product with a 3.5mm input. Instead of using a dongle plus an audio cable, consumers would only need a single accessory.
The new audio cable joins Belkin's other digital audio products lineup. In 2016, following the release of the headphone-jackless iPhone 7, Belkin released the 3.5mm Audio (or Lightning Audio) + Charge RockStar accessory, enabling users to plug in both the charger and earphones at the same time.
According to the company, the cable converts digital signals to analog that will ensure high-quality audio output.
"Bringing our audio legacy into the digital realm is a natural progression of Belkin's mission to connect people to the experiences they love most," said Melody Saffery, senior director of product development.
"Most of us are music lovers, and the ability to work on technology that can make other music lovers' lives more fulfilling, better and more connected, inspires our teams to continue innovating."
Belkin Audio Cable Meets Apple's Standards For Lightning Audio
Belkin's Lightning to 3.5mm cable is certified under Apple's Made for iPhone program, which added the specifications for this type of cable only recently. It guarantees compatibility with the iPhone and continued functionality even after iOS updates.
Master & Dynamic is also one to release an MFi-certified cable recently. This one is a little costly at $69, but it includes an in-line microphone and remote. Belkin's cable is cheaper at $29.99 and $34.99 for the 3-foot cord and 6-foot versions respectively.
Belkin is now taking preorders for the Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable on Belkin.com. It will then be available at Best Buy, Target, Apple stores, and other retailers worldwide in the coming months.
The Belkin 3.5mm to Lightning audio cable is made for the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. It has been over two years since Apple ditched the headphone jack, but users are still having a hard time adjusting to the company's questionable choices. Belkin, at the least, makes it easier.
