iPhone 5 Dock Connector Features 8 Pins, Plugs Either Way [Report]

Seemingly attempting to solve a decade-old problem, Apple is reportedly moving forward with plans to include a redesigned connector in its next iPhone that can dock in more ways than one. The plug is also said to be smaller, featuring 8 pins, as opposed to 30, which is the current spec in the iOS ecosystem.

Two sources who seem to be quite privy of the prototype devices in testing at Apple are confidently telling iLounge that Apple’s new Dock Connector features only 8 pins.

Both sources agreed that “there are eight pins in a line within the new Dock Connector” and, according to the report, the spec should well deserve a brand new moniker too.

A third source corroborated the claims, says the report, and confirmed that this new connector would solve a problem many iDevice fans are facing on a daily basis.

Paraphrased by the site, the source reportedly explained that “the male connector has 8 pins on each side, while the female connector has only 8 pins on one side. This enables the iPhone/iPod/iPad (with female port) to connect to either side of a male cable or docking plug.”

Needless to point out, it will be liberating not having to check each time to see which is the proper plugging position.

There’s more. This source also had some details to share about a new iOS 6 feature “that will act as a bridge between its Bluetooth 4-capable devices.”

Users of multiple Apple devices would purportedly be able to send over iPhone-only functionality to a computer or an iPad, supposedly enabling one to make a phone call via their Mac.

The site explains that the feature would also enable new generations of iPod nanos to display iMessages received by an iPhone, or share voice memos via the iPhone, “and even initiate phone calls through its own headphones,” the site speculates.

Via: iPhone 5 Dock Connector Features 8 Pins, Plugs Either Way [Report]