With rumors heating up again about the next iPhone featuring a smaller 19-pin dock connector, iMore is now saying that Apple will provide an adapter to give the upcoming iPhone’s smaller dock connector the ability to interface with 30-pin accessories and ports. As the site that originally started the smaller iPhone dock rumor, we have reason to believe that iMore’s report is accurate.
Thousands of accessory and peripheral makers have undoubtedly been shaking in their boots since the rumors started about a 19-pin connector in the sixth-gen iPhone, and Apple’s adapter should stem the tide until third-parties can make updated accessories for the new architecture.
Rene Ritchie of iMore:
We haven’t heard if one will be included in the box along with the iPhone 5, or will only be sold separately, but either way, come October, you’ll be able to get a new-to-old Dock adapter from Apple.
Of course, there will likely be some accessories that, due to the physical size or shape, are awkward or impossible to use with the Dock connector adapter, but anything that doesn’t require tight, flush contact should be okay.
Cult of Mac’s John Brownlee has explained the history and future of Apple’s 30-pin dock connector in great detail already, and the reason Apple will go to a smaller dock is simple: less pins are required for interfacing with accessories and other devices. Combined that fact with the rumors that the next iPhone will be significantly thinner than the 4S, and you’ve got plenty of reason for Apple to make the dock as small as possible.
Offering adapters for legacy tech is not uncharacteristic of Apple. For instance, you can buy a $10 MagSafe 1-to-2 power adapter for the new MacBook Pro with Retina display.
But have no fear: all of the 30-pin cables and accessories you currently own won’t suddenly be obsolete. Knowing Apple, you’ll probably have to pay $10-$30 for the new-to-old adapter, though.
Source: iMore
