🔌 USB-A • Apple™ 30-pin 2.0 Data Cable

This cable connects a USB-A host (PC, hub, or power adapter) to Apple’s 30-pin dock connector, used across iPods, iPhones, and iPads from the early 2000s to mid-2010s.
 
🔧 Cable Format & Use Case
🔌 USB-A Male → Apple 30-pin Male
Enables data sync and charging for older Apple devices
Compatible with USB 2.0 ports on computers and wall adapters
Often used with docks, car kits, and legacy accessories
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📱 iPhone (Original → 4S)
📲 iPad (1st → 3rd Gen)
🎧 iPod Classic, Nano (1st → 6th Gen), Touch (1st → 4th Gen), Mini
📺 Apple Universal Dock, iHome speaker docks
🚗 Car stereo systems with 30-pin integration
 
✅ Common Uses
🔄 Sync music, photos, contacts, and calendars via iTunes
🔌 Charge devices from USB-A ports or Apple USB Power Adapters
🧠 Restore or update firmware on legacy iOS devices
🎶 Connect to speaker docks for audio playback
🛠️ Interface with diagnostic tools and accessories
 
🧠 Signal Format Notes
⚙️ USB 2.0 standard (480 Mbps max)
🔌 30-pin connector supports data, power, and analog audio/video
📉 No support for USB 3.0 or Lightning features
🎥 Some variants support composite video output (via dock)
🔁 Proprietary Apple pinout—non-interchangeable with other formats
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🧯 Not compatible with Lightning devices (iPhone 5 and newer)
📉 Slower data speeds compared to modern USB standards
🧪 Some cables are charge-only—verify sync capability
🧰 Fragile connector—avoid stress or bending
🚫 No support for fast charging or USB-C features
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🧠 Identify the 30-pin by its wide, flat shape with dual row contacts
🔄 Always plug USB-A into the host and 30-pin into the Apple device
🧼 Clean contacts gently—dust can disrupt sync/charge
🏷️ Label clearly—easy to confuse with similar dock cables
🎨 Use with original Apple accessories for best compatibility