Upgraded my old iPhone, which had a Lightning cable with an older USB-A end. My car's CarPlay connection is the older USB-A.

I can get a USB-A to USB-C cable, or I can get an adapter that plugs into the car's USB-A and connect a USB-C cable. I am sure both will work, but is one better than the other?

Looks like I am going to need some new cables. My battery packs and other hubs are mostly USB-A. AirPods are old lighting. Can we stay with one system? I am sure down the road, USB-C will be out also.

Yes, there are USB-C to USB-A cables as well as adapters. Whichever you choose will work equally well, just a preference.

Yes, there are USB A to USB C adapters in all of the usual locations such as walmart and Best Buy. they are dirt cheap and available thru amazon also.

I have read that the USB-C will be the connection for the foreseeable future as it is high (er) speed connection. The next iteration will probably be optical. Note the lightening is banned in Europe because Apple did not get their approval before introducing the standard.

I just upgraded from a 13 to a 16 and needed to pick up new charging cables.

Local Walmart had everything under lock and key and finding an associate was near impossible, so I left.

The local Target had a lot of choices in different brands, lengths, and price-points, unlocked, and that’s where I got them.

I go to Monoprice or Amazon for this type of cable.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DE...pingads&locale=en-US

I just upgraded my phone, and had to switch cables.
Dewalt is expensive at $25~$30 a cable, but they last.

As others have said, either will work. But ergonomics may play into the decision - would my fat fingers be able to maneuver an adapter to where it needs to go. I'd probably go the cable route for this reason.

I'd go C to A cable. I buy nothing but Anker for cables. They're reasonably priced, hold up and work well. Cheapie cables can't handle the data of CarPlay sometimes.

Just went with some Anker cables. They have been my go to cable for years.

+++ for Anker and Amazon.

I've noticed some of the A to C adapters do not work for my iPhone 15 Pro or my Mother's 12 Pro Max, I'm paying the bill for her phone..

But Anker A to C cables seem to work OK...

Did not work; the phone wouldn't recognize them.

Adapter

Did work..

Anker Cable [2 Pack, 3FT], USB A to USB C Cable

I highly recommend the DeWalt cable as well, although I would not get the 3 in 1 model unless you actually need it.

As to your original question, I suggest you get a USB-A to USB-C cable. One cable vs one cable and one adapter.

I always go to Amazons Daily Deal page when buying USB cables of any variety or length. I've had good luck with Anker and JSAux brands. Also the AINOPE brand with the right angle usb-c plug is great when placing your phone in an awkward location where cable clearance might be an issue. I've only used these cables for charging or connecting my phone to my computer though. I don't have a Carplay/Android Auto head unit in my car.

Today's Deals

Here's what the right angle usb-c cable looks like:

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Paten,

On the idea of a 3-way...

I also use these for iPhones and other stuff.
My wife has an older lightning plug, my iPhone uses USB-C, and I have other devices with micro USB.
Although I've only used them for charging, I have never tried them for data transfer.

I have several of these around the house, garage, and both vehicles.

3.3ft 2Pack Retractable Multi Fast Charging Cord, 3 in 1 Multiple Charger Cable Charging Cable, Retractable Charger with Lightning/Micro/Type C

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:

My car's CarPlay connection is the older USB-A.

I can get a USB-A to USB-C cable, or I can get an adapter that plugs into the car's USB-A and connect a USB-C cable. I am sure both will work, but is one better than the other?

There are adapters, that convert the wired CarPlay connection to wireless. One of these might work for you.

If you stay with a wired connection, better to get a USB-A to USB-C cable rather than an adapter that would go in series with the existing cable. Each connection and each device (cable and adapter) adds another potential failure to the system. Also, cables do fail with age and use, so you might as well replace the old one before it dies.

I’ll suggest the Anker 321 cable.

https://www.anker.com/products/a8436

When I had a work-issued iPhone and my own Android phone, we put these in all the cars. They’re still in use almost daily.