Hasta La Gadget!

The new iPhone deserves a new dock connector. Say hello to the reversible, 80 percent smaller, Lightning. The likes of Bose, BLW and B&O are already working on new compatible docks while the new connector itself is now easier to connect, more durable, all digital, with an adaptive interface which warrants some closer inspection. Naturally, an adapter will also be made available for your existing iPhone peripherals, but if you have a number of devices to connect, it’s likely to put a hurt on your wallet — the adapter is now for sale in the Apple Store for a whopping $29. At least it’ll pair well with that Thunderbolt connection, right?

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Filed under: Cellphones

Apple’s new iPhone 5 dock connector: It’s called Lightning and it’s 80 percent smaller, but the adapter is $29 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could this be Apple’s new iPhone connector? Except for the fact that French site Nowhereelse has a terribly poor reputation, I don’t see why not. They seem real parts, not photoshopped, and the size seems to be the right one. More »

Although the form factor and actual size are still unknown, TechCrunch has independently verified that Apple is working on adding a 19-pin port, replacing the current 30-pin port, to the new iPhone. It is a move that will surely send shocks through the iPhone accessory ecosystem.

The new port, partially shown in this Mobilefun post as well as in this video, is similar in size to the Thunderbolt port available on many MacBook devices but I’ve been told by three independent manufacturers that the pin-out will be different.

Apple’s 30-pin ports have been the standard since Apple released the third generation iPod. The connectors offered structural stability when connecting to most accessories but it’s clear – especially with the introduction of the MagSafe 2 port – Apple is more concerned with space savings inside each device.

Three independent manufacturers all agreed that the 19-pin dock port is in the works and many accessory manufacturers are facing an uneasy few months as they wait for official news of the standard to be announced.