Apple refuses to license 'Lightning connector' to startup company

[NickS VR4]

Apple reportedly pulls plug on project behind portable charger | Apple - CNET News (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57560376-37/apple-reportedly-pulls-plug-on-project-behind-portable-charger/)

So tell me again why they went with this connector, and a standard connector? My guess still remains the same, so they could license it out for a hefty fee or be in complete control of the 3rd party accessories.

In the article, it says they refuse to license out the connector to a device that has other connectors on it (microUSB, 30pin Apple, etc).

[stealthify]

Chances are, we're not getting the full story.

From what I understand, any third party can make a lightning cable. There's already a lot out there that aren't licensing from Apple. You usually know which ones these are because they're dirt cheap and sometimes made like crap.

However, the products that sport the Apple-approved 'Made for iPod/iPad/iPhone' logo are actively licensed and must meet the standards that Apple set for the licensing program. You may not agree with it, but it keeps a lot of crap out.

So once again and to reiterate, anyone can make a lightning charger, but to become an official licensee and be part of the program, you do have to make your products up to Apple's standards/guidelines.

I also kind of doubt they were denied simply for offering a lightning connector "combined with micro-USB connectors." Contrary to the clouded belief of the Apple-haters, Apple isn't out trying to kill off micro-USB. Heck, even the Lightning->MicroUSB adapter (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD820ZM/A/lightning-to-micro-usb-adapter?afid=p219%7CGOUS&cid=AOS-US-KWG-PLA) that you all thought would never be offered quickly became a reality for those that wanted it. One less thing to complain about.

I'll wait for the rest of the story before I make my judgement.

[NickS VR4]

Wasn't that adapter required in the UK?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[stealthify]

It was originally offered in the UK, but eventually started selling in the stores here in the US as well.

[IPD]

so apple has provided proof that it's scamming its customers. :)

[stealthify]

Just an update:

Apple relents, and an unplugged Kickstarter is back on - Gigaom (http://gigaom.com/apple/apple-relents-and-an-unplugged-kickstarter-is-back-on/)