Apple To Replace 30 Pin Connector Across Entire iOS Lineup [REPORT]

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Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iconic 30-pin Dock connector will be replaced with a smaller version across its entire iOS lineup. The list to be replaced with smaller the version includes the much awaited iPhone 5, along with a 9.7-inch iPad, iPod Nano and touch and the theoretical iPad mini.

Apple To Replace 30 Pin Connector Across Entire iOS Lineup [REPORT]

The iPad is expected to get updated by mid-season to become compatible with the smaller version connector. Introducing the change across the entire iOS line up makes sense, as the same connector will be used by all the devices, rather than updating each device one at a time. Device compatibility issues are bound to creep in, like if one has an accessory that uses 30-pin connector, and an adapter won’t work, it will have to be repurchased. But these issues will only affect those who go for upgrade.

Apart from users, accessory manufacturers are also keenly interested in knowing whether or not Apple is going for the smaller connector. They can’t take any risk, as a delay on their side could cost them their partnership with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

If rumors are to be believed, Apple will replace its 30-pin Dock connector with a 19-pin port, as it is necessary for changes Apple wanted to make in the new iPhone.

The 30 pin connector has been in use for decades now, and being an innovative company, it was time to change this decade long connector. The 19 pin connector could help the iPhone maker to sleek the new iPhone and fit a 4G radio as well, as the current iPhone bottom is fully occupied by the 30-pin plug and the speaker grills. According to an article on pcworld, this change will help to fix design issues and save on costs on the iPhone, “ the audio electronics inside the iPhone are actually at the bottom left of the circuit board….. Since there is no space for the headphone plug at the bottom of the device, this means that a long flex cable is needed to route the signal to the top of the device, where the headphone jack is. This design apparently not only adds to the cost of manufacturing because of the complex cable needed to run through the entire phone, but also adds a few minutes when the phone is being put together on the assembly line. Moving to a smaller connector would allow space for the headphone jack at the bottom of the new iPhone, as well as lower production costs.”

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