Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter MD826ZM/A

Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter MD826ZM/A

The Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter, model MD826ZM/A, puts the screen of a Lightning-equipped iPhone, iPad or iPod touch onto an HDMI television, monitor or projector. It is a wired connection, so it needs no network, no pairing and no streaming setup: plug it in, select the HDMI input, and the device screen appears on the big display in up to 1080p HD. For presentations, photo sharing and video playback in rooms where wireless casting is unreliable or unavailable, that simplicity is the point.

Key features

• Lightning to HDMI display adapter made by Apple
• Screen mirroring in up to 1080p HD
• Video content output in up to 1080p HD
• Audio carried over the HDMI connection
• Additional Lightning port for charging during use
• Works with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models with a Lightning connector
• Model number MD826ZM/A

Mirroring and video output

The adapter supports two related jobs. Mirroring shows exactly what is on the device screen, including apps, presentations, websites and slideshows, which makes it well suited to meetings, classrooms and demonstrations where whatever is on the iPad needs to be on the room screen. Video output sends movies, TV shows and captured video to the display in up to 1080p HD. Audio travels over the same HDMI cable, so sound comes from the television or the connected sound system without a separate audio lead. Output is capped at 1080p HD: connecting to a 4K television does not raise the adapter limit, and individual apps can apply their own restrictions to external playback of protected content.

Charging while connected

A second Lightning port on the adapter accepts a charging cable while the HDMI output is in use. Presentations, long video sessions and classroom use drain a battery steadily, and this pass-through port means the device does not have to choose between driving the display and staying powered. A Lightning cable and power adapter for charging are separate items, as is the HDMI cable between the adapter and the display; neither cable is part of this adapter itself.

Compatibility and setup

The adapter is for devices with a Lightning connector only. iPhones, iPads and iPod touch models with USB-C ports need a USB-C display adapter instead, so confirming the port on the device is the first compatibility check. Setup takes three connections: the adapter into the device, an HDMI cable from the adapter to the display, and optionally the charging cable into the adapter’s Lightning port. Select the matching HDMI input on the television or projector and the mirrored image appears. Testing the actual slides or video before an event, including the audio route, is a sensible final step.

Compact and made by Apple for its own devices, the MD826ZM/A remains the dependable wired route from a Lightning device to an HDMI screen at home, at work and in the classroom.