A Lightning connector is a proprietary computer bus and power connector created and designed by Apple Inc. ). It was introduced on September 12, 2012, in conjunction with the iPhone 5, to replace its predecessor, the 30-pin dock connector). The Lightning connector is used to connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals). It is an 8-pin digital connector that is much smaller than its predecessor, the 30-pin dock connector, and is reversible). Most Lightning devices only support USB 2.0, which has a maximum transfer speed of 480 Mb/s. Only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation) and 10.5-inch iPad Pro support USB 3.0 (now USB 3.2 Gen 1), which has a maximum transfer speed of 5 Gb/s). Lightning connectors contain an authentication chip that makes it difficult for third-party manufacturers to produce compatible accessories without being approved by Apple).

In summary, a Lightning connector is a small, reversible, and proprietary connector developed by Apple to replace the older and bigger 30-pin dock connector. It is used to charge and connect Apple mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods to host computers, external monitors, cameras, USB battery chargers, and other peripherals.