jeremymc7

FYI the AD does Video. The AC doesn't do Video. Both are Lightning connectors and look basically the same.

I'm not sure if there is really any advantage of getting the AC cable if you already have the 30 pin MMI cable and the 30pin<>Lightning Apple adapter.

if you don't care about Video and need hardwire for audio then the AC is a fair choice. But since the 30-pin audio only came with the car and given the price of the Apple adapter (30pin/Lightning) the AC would be more expensive than the adapter and free 30 pin MMI cable.

For Video and iPhone / iPad with Lightning the AD cable is your only choice. It allows integration of the Lightning iOS with the MMI controls, charging of the iOS, and Audio as well as video pass through from Lighting to MMI. Previously there NO WAY to to all of that. Previously you could get video and charging with multiple adapters, but no MMI control. OR you could get Audio and MMI control over Bluetooth but no video (or Artwork).

Technically all the AD cable is clean integrated way of taking the Lightning to HDMI adapter to Composite adapter to MMI interface, bringing in power through USB to MMI, and bringing MMi control through 30 pin to MMI. Technically we could have done this ourselves with multiple adapters and rewiring the MMI Red Grommet. No one bothered to undertake it. Now we have a nice clean solution.

snagitseven

Did you read the first post of this thread? If so, it would have saved you posing the question.
jeremy has it right.

snagitseven

It's curious they would come out with TWO AMI lightning cables. Since it's the first time an Audi lightning cable is available, why bother with the AC model at all with limited functionality? Another nutty decision by Audi. BTW, where did you find the info on the two cables?

jeremymc7

Par for the course. The car came with a blue grommet 30 pin cable that didn't do video or you could buy an optional red grommet 30 pin cable that was the same as the blue one but added video capability. The only difference between being simple and cheap wiring.

The Lightning AC and AD cables however are a different story. The AC is more simply a 30 pin blue grommet and Apple 30 pin to Lightning adapter but in a simple package. The AD however has FAR more circuitry to get digital video converted to Analog video and still have it all on one box / cable. The AD is like a red grommet and Apple HDMI adapter, HDMI to composite adapter, and USB to power, and USB to Audi MMI all crammed in one simple package, VERY impressive.

Technically the AC is much cheaper to develop and make. The AD is FAR more complex and expensive to develop and make. Prices should reflect that once they hit U.S., but parts distributors are showing it currently. Wh they actually get in stock I would likely expect that to be corrected.

Into came via German contacts.

snagitseven

Actually, that does make sense. Assuming the AC cable is significantly less expensive than the AD.

snagitseven

Anything in writing that you could pass along?

Hockenheim

jeremymc7

Nothing that's published publically for viewing and no additional details other than already provided. These should be hitting the U.S. (officially) in the coming weeks.

Keep in mind even with the blue and red grommet cables Audi doesn't actually publish much in the way of a write-up, technical spec, etc. Accessories and pretty poorly (officially) documented, publicly anyway.

For example Audi Germany.

4F0051510AC $41 EURO
(translated) Adapter cable for connection of an Apple iPod ® or iPhone ®. Connect your device but simply to the Audi music interface to. From Audi tested and approved types and software versions, please visit: www.audi.de/mp3 Notes: - not in conjunction with iPod ® shuffle - only in conjunction with Audi music interface - Only suitable for Apple devices with Lightning Jack
https://shops.audi.com/de_DE/web/zub...icleId=8649863

4F0051510AD $41 EURO
(translated) Adapter cable to connect an Apple device with Lightning Jack, eg iPhone ® (Gen. 5), iPod touch (Gen 5), iPod ® nano (Gen. 7) iPad ® (Gen. 4) or iPad ® mini (Gen. . 1) From Audi tested and approved types and software versions, please visit: www.audi.de/mp3 Notes: - Only suitable for Apple devices with Lightning socket - only in conjunction with Audi music interface
https://shops.audi.com/de_DE/web/zub...icleId=8644716

Notice that Audi very subtally notes the AC is for iPod and iPhone (more audio) for while the AD they state it's also for iPod Touch and iPad (more video).

snagitseven

Thanks for the info. I'd bet any iDevice with a lightening connector including the iPhone 5 or later, iPad 4 or later and iPad Minis will work for music on the AC cable as well. I'll update the Entertainment Summary.

jeremymc7

Agreed. The point was I think they were trying to indirectly say that the AC was for Audio devices and the AD for video. Though any iOS with lightning with work with either AC or AD, for audio, as discussed. Obviously the AC doesn't work for video and the AD does.