Lightning 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. Using 8 pins instead of 30, Lightning is much
smaller than its predecessor. The Lightning connector is reversible. The plug
is indented on each side to match up with corresponding points inside the
receptacle to retain the connection.
In 2018, Apple began transitioning to USB-C on iPad Pros and accessories.