Apple’s Lightning cables have had a reputation for fraying for years, even with a small stress relief sleeve at the connection point. Once torn, it's only a matter before the cable fails. There are a few reasons Apple cables are so fragile: First, Apple removed the more substantial ribbed strain relief it used in cables made in the early 2000s. The company also stopped using PVC in its products, a plastic vinyl material that can make cables more rigid and durable.  That’s why choosing the right material for your Lightning cable makes such a difference. Braided and kevlar cables are much more durable and more resistant to fraying than the one that comes with Apple devices. Even Apple has started to include braided cables with some of its products, including the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and Black Magic Trackpad. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t sell its braided Lightning cables directly, so you’ll have to look at third-party alternatives (like our Anker pick above).