Why iOS 26 May Suddenly Break Cable Compatibility
With the release of iOS 26, more iPhone users—especially those using USB-C-equipped models like the iPhone 15 Pro—have reported unexpected issues with third-party charging cables, hubs, and accessories.
Some common symptoms include:
- ⚠️ Charging doesn’t start or stops after a few seconds
- ⚠️ USB accessories like SD card readers or webcams are not recognized
- ⚠️ Apple Watch shows a “Slow Charging” warning
While not all of these issues are exclusive to iOS 26, the OS update appears to have strengthened device-side checks, making certain uncertified or underpowered accessories incompatible.
Real-World Problems Users Have Reported
1. USB-C hubs not recognizing connected devices
Users testing USB-C hubs on iPhone 15 Pro noted:
- ✅ SD cards and Ethernet adapters generally worked
- ⚠️ Webcams and some USB drives failed to connect
- 🔌 Power delivery (PD) compatibility was inconsistent
This suggests that the hub’s internal chip quality, power capacity, and certification play a key role.
2. Apple Watch warning: “Slow Charging”
As of September 2025, Apple officially warned that multi-port USB hubs and chargers might not deliver enough power for optimal charging on Apple Watch, especially with watchOS 10.6 or later.
Using the original Apple charging puck and single-port power adapter is now strongly recommended.
3. Non-certified Lightning cables stop working
Even with older iPhones, many users found that cheap Lightning cables stopped charging after iOS updates.
Reasons include:
- Missing or incompatible authentication chips
- Fragile connectors or poor insulation
- Inability to handle updated power/voltage specs in iOS
How to Choose Safe Cables and Hubs in 2025
Here are five essential criteria to avoid charging disasters and ensure smooth compatibility:
| Criteria | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Certification | MFi (for Lightning) or USB-IF (for USB-C) | Ensures software-level compatibility and quality |
| ⚡ Power Delivery (PD) support | Check if it supports 20W–100W | Needed for iPads, Macs, and multi-device use |
| 🔄 Data transfer speed | USB 2.0 (480Mbps) vs USB 3.1 (5Gbps) | Affects whether accessories like SSDs will work |
| 🔧 Build quality | Reinforced connector, thick wiring | Prevents breakage and overheating |
| 🛒 Trusted brand & reviews | Anker, Belkin, UGreen, etc. | Protects against fake products and hidden flaws |
Why Cheap Non-Certified Accessories Fail
“Why did my $5 cable work fine yesterday but stop charging after iOS 26?”
The answer usually includes one of the following:
- 🚫 No authentication chip (MFi or USB-IF)
- 🔌 Weak power supply or poor shielding
- ❌ Not updated for newer iOS versions
- ⚠️ Inconsistent wiring or missing data lines
Even if they look identical, these cables are prone to breaking under new OS-level hardware checks.
What to Do If Your Accessories Stop Working
- Try another certified cable (e.g., Apple original or Anker MFi)
- Test on a different power adapter or USB port
- Restart your iPhone and try charging again
- Avoid long cables and daisy-chained hubs
- Update to the latest iOS 26.1+ — early bugs are sometimes fixed quickly
If your non-certified cable used to work but now fails, it’s not necessarily defective — it’s likely no longer meeting iOS’s updated safety standards.
Final Advice: Don’t Let “Looks the Same” Fool You
With iPhones transitioning to USB-C and iOS 26 adding tighter checks, now is the time to:
- ✅ Buy from recognized brands
- ✅ Check for certification logos (MFi or USB-IF)
- ✅ Read user reviews after major iOS updates
Avoid being that person who realizes at 1 a.m. that their cable doesn’t charge anymore.
