During its iPhone media event in San Francisco, Apple unveiled a new dock connector called 'Lightning' that is 80 percent smaller than its older version. The Lightning design has an 8-pin connector that is reversible and is a smaller version of the typical 30-pin connector that has been used since 2003.
According to Apple, the new connector is “all digital” with “improved durability.” One downside to the new connector, however, is that it is not “video and iPod out” supported. The new design is also not compatible with existing dock connectors but Apple announced it has a solution in the form of an adapter.
A Lightning to 30-pin adapter, which will be available in October, will retail at $29 the company said. Two other options will also be available in October: a Lightning to 30-pin adapter with 0.2 meters of cable that will cost $39 and a Lightning to USB cable that will cost $19.
The company announced that is it working with Bose, JBL, Bowers & Wilkins, Bang & Olufsen and others to provide dock and accessory options.
The Lightning 8-pin connector's reversible feature will prove easier to use than the 30-pin connector as well as the USB connector. CNET also reported that Apple's desicion to introduce the Lightning connector with an "adaptive interface" could mean that future models may plug into something other than a USB. Of course, only time will tell.
WATCH THE iPHONE 5 LIGHTNING CONNECTOR PRESENTATION