$13.99 is unlubed anal rape for a cable where the Blackberry, Android, etc, equivalent (USB A to Micro-USB-B) costs about $5.

I did own an iPhone till it was mercifully stolen. I will never own another iOS device ever again. I have no patience for an OS that's deliberately crippled and which does not allow me to install any software which it and the device is capable of running.

The article is not "full of BS" -- we're talking about *uncertified* clone cables, that are electrically fine, but don't contain a chip containing a key that marks them certified by Apple. Multiple people who I know and work with have had problems with those after the iOS 7 upgrade. Basically, Crapple deliberately broke hardware in which the manufacturers didn't pay them protection money. In the example you gave, you're paying $8 extra in protection money and "Apple premium." Uncertified Lightning cables can be had for cheaper, but won't work if Apple deliberately breaks them!

This would be equivalent to a Mercedes refusing to start if you didn't install a battery stamped with a Mercedes serial number in it, even if we're dealing with normal 12V car batteries. Or a coffee maker not turning on because you replaced the line cord with one bought from the hardware store.