StarTech USBLT2MB 2-Meter USB-A to Apple Lightning Charge and Sync Cable

Overview

The StarTech USBLT2MB is a 2-meter (6.6 ft) USB 2.0 Type-A to Apple Lightning cable built for charging and syncing Lightning-equipped Apple devices where a standard 1-meter cable falls short. The extra length is the defining reason to choose this model — it bridges the gap between a wall adapter or USB port and a device mounted, docked, or positioned further away than a short cable allows. At 66 grams and 22/28 AWG construction, it balances flexibility with the wire gauge needed to carry both charge current and data reliably over the full 2-meter run.

Key Features

• 2-Meter Cable Length: At twice the length of a standard Lightning cable, the USBLT2MB reaches desks, AV carts, kiosk enclosures, and equipment racks where a 1-meter cable simply won't span the distance — without requiring an extension or repositioning the power source.
• 480 Mbps USB 2.0 Data Transfer: Full USB 2.0 high-speed throughput means syncing a large iOS device backup or transferring media files doesn't require a premium USB 3.x cable — 480 Mbps is the ceiling Lightning hardware supports anyway, so no speed is left on the table.
• 22/28 AWG Wire Gauge: The 22 AWG power conductors are heavier than the data wires (28 AWG), which is the correct configuration for a charge-and-sync cable — thicker power wires reduce resistive loss over the 2-meter run, keeping charge current delivery consistent to the device.
• USB 2.0 Type-A Connector: Pairs with any standard USB-A port — wall chargers, laptop ports, desktop USB hubs, or powered USB switches — without requiring USB-C adapters or special hardware on the host end.
• Apple Lightning Connector: Compatible with Lightning-equipped Apple devices including iPhone and iPad models that use the Lightning interface. Reversible Lightning plug inserts either orientation, reducing fumbling in low-light or high-traffic environments.
• Lightweight at 66 g: Light enough that the cable weight does not stress the Lightning port on a device left plugged in at a fixed station — relevant for kiosk or charging station deployments where cables remain connected for extended periods.

Integration and Compatibility

The USBLT2MB works with any USB 2.0 or USB 3.x Type-A host port — the USB-A connector is backward and forward compatible at the host end. On the device end, compatibility is limited to Apple Lightning-equipped devices; USB-C iPads and iPhones that have migrated to USB-C require a different cable. This cable is suited for IT deployment in managed Apple device environments, AV integration where iPads serve as control surfaces, and any fixed charging station where 2 meters of reach is needed. For environments running network switches with USB service ports or console ports, verify the host port type before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the data transfer speed of the USBLT2MB?

A: The USBLT2MB supports USB 2.0 high-speed data transfer at up to 480 Mbps — the maximum throughput the Apple Lightning interface supports.

Q: Will the USBLT2MB charge as well as sync, or is it data-only?

A: It supports both charging and data sync simultaneously. The 22 AWG power conductors are sized to carry charge current efficiently over the 2-meter cable length.

Q: Does the USBLT2MB work with USB-C host ports?

A: No. The host connector is USB 2.0 Type-A. If your charger or computer only has USB-C ports, you would need a separate USB-C to USB-A adapter or a different cable with a USB-C host connector.

Q: Is the USBLT2MB compatible with USB-C Apple devices?

A: No. This cable terminates in an Apple Lightning connector and is only compatible with Lightning-equipped Apple devices. USB-C iPhones and iPads require a USB-C cable.

Q: What warranty does the USBLT2MB carry?

A: StarTech provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the USBLT2MB.

Q: What are the physical dimensions of the USBLT2MB?

A: The cable is 2.0 meters long, 1.5 cm wide, and 0.7 cm in height/thickness, weighing 66 grams.

Karl Wilson

The detail most buyers skip on a cable like the USBLT2MB is wire gauge. The 22 AWG power conductors matter on a 2-meter run — thinner wire at this length increases resistance and can result in slower charging or inconsistent current delivery, particularly for larger-capacity iPad deployments. StarTech specifies 22/28 AWG here, which is the right configuration: heavier gauge on power, lighter on data, where the Lightning protocol's 480 Mbps ceiling doesn't demand anything more.

Technical Highlights:

• 22/28 AWG Construction: 22 AWG power conductors minimize resistive voltage drop over the full 2-meter run — charge current arrives at the device closer to what the charger outputs, which matters in fixed kiosk or charging station use.
• 480 Mbps USB 2.0: Matches the Lightning interface's own throughput ceiling, so no speed is sacrificed by the cable itself — you get the full protocol bandwidth for device backups or media transfers.
• 2-Meter Reach: Covers the gap between a standard 1-meter cable and situations requiring reach across a desk, AV rack, or equipment enclosure without daisy-chaining adapters.

Deployment Considerations:

• Confirm the host device has not migrated to USB-C before ordering — the USBLT2MB is Lightning-only on the device end and has no adapter compatibility with USB-C Apple hardware.
• The USB-A host connector is not compatible with USB-C-only chargers or ports without a separate adapter; factor this into kiosk or charging station planning where the power source may be USB-C native.

The USBLT2MB is the right pick for managed iPad deployments in fixed AV control surfaces, point-of-sale kiosks, or charging stations where 2 meters of reach is needed and the host infrastructure still runs USB-A — a common configuration in enterprise AV and retail environments that haven't fully migrated to USB-C infrastructure.