Apple's Lightning authentication chip cloned

One of the "features" of Apple's new Lightning adapter on the iPhone 5 is a special authentication chip that must be built into the adapter or third-party peripherals in order for them to work properly. Apple is reportedly doing this in order to ensure compatibility with third-party Lightning peripherals, but there's some concern about availability and cost of those peripherals due to this requirement.

Well, never fear -- M.I.C. Gadget is reporting that someone has already cloned the authentication chip, leading the way to a flood of non-authorized peripherals and most likely a lawsuit or two.

Manufacturer iPhone5Mod has announced the US$39.90 Flash Lightning Dock, which includes a very cool glowing cable complete with LEDs that light whenever the iPhone 5 is charging or syncing. But wait, there's more! According to M.I.C. Gadget, "The lights actually change speed based on the battery capacity of the iPhone 5, with the animated lights moving quicker the lower the battery charge is, and finally stopping motion (lights off) when the iPhone 5 is fully charged."

Whether or not Apple and its team of crack lawyers will allow an unapproved cable and dock to actually hit the market is unknown. In the meantime, enjoy a fun, glowing video of the Flash Lightning Dock since you may never be allowed to own one.