After long rumors that the old 30-pin port connector on all current iOS devices would be replaced soon, TechCrunch has independently verified with three sources that a new, smaller 19-pin port will debut with the new iPhone.
According to TechCrunch, three manufacturers independently agreed that the new 19-pin dock port, which currently has an unknown form factor and size, is currently in the works. Its introduction, likely with the new iPhone this fall, would have major repercussions on the huge accessory market for iOS devices. Obviously, accessory manufacturers would be greatly affected by such a dramatic change in hardware interface.
The new port is rumored to be similar in size to the new Thunderbolt ports, according to some leaked videos. However, TechCrunch"s sources claim that the pin-out of the new iPhone port will be different from Thunderbolt"s.
Look at how thick those iPods used to be!
The current 30-pin connector ports were introduced with the third-generation iPod, all the way back in April of 2003. Since then, it has become the standard for the iOS family of devices: the various models of iPods, iPhones and iPads have all sported the same connector. It"s a natural inevitability that the new ports will eventually become the new standard on all these product lines, meaning hundreds of millions of Apple 30-pin cables could suddenly be made obsolete in a few short months, all in the name of saving space in Apple"s new devices.
Source: TechCrunch
Image Credit: Apple Support