Apple seems to have ditched the 30-pin dock connector for a compact 19-pin port which is to be used in the iPhone 5. Tech enthusiasts are probably familiar with the story already, owing to the ongoing speculations.
Going by some leaked images by Mobilefun, the 19-pin port looks similar to the Thunderbolt slot seen in MacBook gadgets. However, rumors suggest that the pin-out would not be the same as in the aforesaid port. So far down the line, Apple has used the 30-pin dock connector for all of its devices covering the iPad, iPod and iPhone.
For now, we can just guess that Apple’s intention of replacing the standard dock connector could have a technical angle to it. Considering that the fifth generation iPhone is expected pack in a range of technologies and hardware, space constraints could crop up.
As reported by TechCrunch, who has confirmed the news with Apple, the company is particularly focusing on saving space in its future devices. Moreover, the release of the new MagSafe 2 port for the next generation MacBook Pro could have encouraged this step.
Apparently, three different manufacturers have confirmed that the 19-pin dock connector is currently in the production phase. Designers mulling over their impending cases, docks and other accessories for the latest iPhone may have to be watchful, as the new connector would ask for a slightly different pattern.
We’re just going to wait for official word that Apple will indeed be replacing the 30-pin dock connector with a 19-pin port for the iPhone 5.