Authentic Apple Charging Cable For Ebikes With Bosch Screens: A Handy Feature
When embarking on extended ebike trips, being able to charge your iPhone or other Apple devices through the display is a valuable feature. The e-drive generates ample power for this purpose, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to check your smartphone’s battery life before setting off.
To guarantee worry-free charging, there are several reasons to consider using an authentic Apple cable.
- Which Bosch display models allow for iPhone charging capabilities?
- What is the meaning behind the MFi abbreviation?
- What characteristics are associated with the MFi standard?
- What is the process for obtaining MFi certification?
- How can one identify an MFi-certified charging cable?
- What is the ideal length for a suitable charging cable?
- Is the Apple Lightning connector on the verge of being phased out?
Which Bosch display models allow for iPhone charging capabilities?
For ebikes equipped with a Bosch drive system, choosing an original charging cable is mainly significant when the bike manufacturer has installed one of the older systems. Essentially, six systems can be taken into account:
Bosch Active Line Bosch Active Line Plus Bosch Performance Line Bosch Performance Line CX Bosch Performance Line Speed Bosch Cargo Line However, the key factor determining whether an iPhone can be charged depends on the integrated display. Charging is only possible with one of the following three displays:
Bosch Intuvia Bosch Kiox Bosch Nyon Regarding the Bosch Nyon, only the model typically referred to as Nyon 1 is intended. With the Nyon 2, introduced for the 2020 season, Bosch unfortunately removed the charging current output feature.
There are a few options for connecting a smartphone directly to the Bosch display and charging it this way. Those with an ebike featuring a Smart System may feel a tad envious at this point. With the launch of its latest drive, Bosch has revised its approach to charging mobile devices on ebikes. None of the previously available displays have a compatible charging port.
Only the Bosch SmartphoneGrip provides the option to charge both wirelessly and conventionally via cable. For instance, if you have an iPhone 7 or even an older model, you can use an original USB charging cable with the Micro A to Apple Lightning connector.
What is the meaning behind the MFi abbreviation?
In our view, the most secure way to charge is with an original cable. This includes cables that come directly from Apple, such as those bundled with an iPhone, as well as those with MFi certification. MFi, which stands for “Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad,” refers to various accessories fully compatible with Apple mobile devices.
Apple introduced the standard in 2005 to differentiate itself from counterfeit and lower-quality alternatives through its associated logo.
What characteristics are associated with the MFi standard?
The MFi standard’s central element is a unique chip produced solely by Apple. This chip authenticates accessories connected to Apple devices, ensuring that your iPhone recognizes the charging cable as safe. If you use an uncertified cable, you might encounter a warning that the accessory is not supported or experience issues with the charging process, which may not start at all or proceed very slowly.
Functions like fast charging rely on the MFi chip, which also protects Apple devices from overcurrent and overvoltage during charging. The charging cable’s interior consists of a copper core that enhances heat resistance. Conversely, using cables with faulty connectors can lead to overheating.
Moreover, MFi-certified cables have high-quality sheathing and improved bend protection, making them more durable than cheaper alternatives. These cables save you the trouble of dealing with broken or stuck plugs and perform tasks like synchronization or data transfer with other devices reliably.
What is the process for obtaining MFi certification?
Apple employs a proprietary testing program to certify its accessories, examining specific safety and performance criteria. Only after successfully passing these tests do products receive MFi certification, either directly from Apple or through an accredited laboratory.
Companies that have previously violated Apple’s regulations, such as selling a product with the MFi logo without certification, are not allowed to participate in this process and will not receive any MFi chips.
How can one identify an MFi-certified charging cable?
Apple’s accessory specifications are incredibly detailed. While this can be challenging for manufacturers during production, these guidelines serve as a useful basis for distinguishing certified products from uncertified ones. Some key features include:
- One-piece contacts on the Lightning connector end
- Bend protection sleeve on the connector, with standard dimensions of 7.7 millimeters x 12 millimeters
- Gold-plated contacts on all connectors of the cable
- Trapezoidal serration on the USB connector
- Smooth and even surfaces on both metal and insulation parts
What is the ideal length for a suitable charging cable?
The answer to this question can be somewhat subjective, as the necessary length relies on the device being charged on your ebike’s display. A long cable can be hard enough when wrapping it around handlebars, while a short cable may not be functional at all.
Normally, a cable between 40 and 50 cm long works best. This length allows you to comfortably place your smartphone in a handlebar bag or attach it to a bracket next to the ebike’s display while charging.
Is the Apple Lightning connector on the verge of being phased out?
As many of you may be aware, the USB-C charging port is set to become the standardized connection for mobile devices, such as smartphones, across European Union countries by 2024. The European Parliament and EU member states agreed on this in October 2022.
There are various online media sources like Heise, Golem, and Computer-Bild anticipate Apple to transition from the Lightning connector to the USB-C standard with the iPhone 15. It’s also speculated that this model will necessitate an MFi-certified cable. Consequently, you can expect to see more Apple-compatible USB charging cables featuring a Micro A to USB-C connection entering the market soon.
