“One of the long-rumored features of the next-generation iPhone is a revised, smaller dock connector,” Chris Foresman writes for Ars Technica. “This has been discussed in the rumor mill since before the launch of the last iPhone, and the buzz only continues on today.”

“Case in point: according to recent report by TechCrunch, several manufacturers claim that Apple will adopt a new 19-pin replacement for its now ubiquitous 30-pin dock connector,” Foresman writes. “But although such a change would present difficulties for the legion of companies that make accessories for iPhones, iPads, and iPods, we think now might actually be a good time for Apple to make that switch.”

Foresman writes, “The 30-pin dock connector first appeared on the third-generation iPod in 2003… The rumored replacement for this standard is a 19-pin port that appears significantly smaller (perhaps one-third the size) of the existing 30-pin port. That would generally allow Apple to make thinner devices while still maximizing internal space for the logic board and ever-important battery. It gives Apple the opportunity to get rid of legacy cruft—pins for FireWire or analog video, for instance.”

Much more in the full article here.

[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader "John" for the heads up.]

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