As one of the leading tech giants, Apple often enjoys a reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative products. But the latest iOS 16.5 update seems to have upset a significant portion of its user base, who heavily rely on the Lightning to USB 3 adapter, a product currently retailing for $39.
Primarily used to connect iPhones with external devices like hard drives, wired network cards, and digital cameras, the adapter enables users to convert the Lightning interface into USB-A and USB-C interfaces. However, users have reported on Reddit and Apple Support Forums that this adapter is now non-functional after updating to iOS 16.5.
Before the update, these adapters worked normally with iPhones and iPads. Now, users are faced with a compatibility issue that has left them in the lurch, with no immediate solution in sight.
Apple has not yet responded to this issue or provided an estimated timeline for a fix. Some users speculate that this could be an unintended side effect of security improvements made in iOS 16.5. A notable feature of the new update is a fix to prevent hackers from launching physical attacks using a USB cable connected to an iPhone.
Tests show that other types of adapters, such as the 3.5mm headphone adapter, are functioning as expected, leaving only the USB 3 adapter affected by this anomaly.
In light of these developments, it might be wise for users depending on the USB 3 adapter to hold off on updating to iOS 16.5. Given Apple’s silence on the matter so far, it could be a while before a fix is available. In the meantime, users are left to grapple with the inconvenience, hoping for a swift resolution.