“Apple is planning to adopt a new connector type for accessories for iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices through its official Made-for-iPhone (MFi) licensing program,” Jordan Kahn reports for 9to5Mac.
“Dubbed the ‘Ultra Accessory Connector’ (UAC), Apple has recently launched a developer preview of the new connector type to prepare manufacturing partners for the component that in some cases will replace the use of Lightning and USB connectors, according to sources familiar with the program,” Kahn reports. “Measuring in at 2.05mm by 4.85mm at the tip, the 8-pin connector is slightly less thick than USB-C, and near half as wide as both USB-C and Lightning.”
“The space-saving connector is similar in shape to ultra mini USB connectors on the market that are often bundled as proprietary cables with accessories (like the one pictured below),” Kahn reports. “Apple’s specs for the Ultra Accessory Connector through the MFi program currently specify use of the UAC connector (both male and female) for cables used on headphones. Apple will allow accessory manufacturers to make Lightning to UAC, USB-A to UAC, and 3.5mm headset jacks to UAC, which would allow headphones with a UAC port to connect to various Apple devices.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Courage.
SEE ALSO:
Relax, Apple isn’t introducing yet another new connector – February 6, 2017
MDN should link to this article instead:
http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/6/14524972/apple-ultra-accessory-connector-uac-made-for-iphone-headphones
9to5 seems to be wrong about what this is all about.
As we know know, this isn’t a new port, but an old port already in use on some devices. Apple’s statement is that manufacturers requested this port for Apple licensed cables, and Apple said that it was ok. It’s used for non Apple devices on the outside end of the cable.
That’s it folks!
Another one???
Argggh
I would love to see Apple quickly phase out Lightning and implement USB-C across all devices.
The Dock connector too was a dumb decision when Firewire and USB were as capable and would have eliminated piles of pointless dongles adapters and electronic landfill fodder.
Not exactly, USB can’t stream perfectly continuously and Firewire can’t send analog audio. They needed a connector that would send digital video & audio, and analog audio, plus be “smart” enough. Neither USB nor Firewire fill that role. The 40 pin connector was ideal.
http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/6/14524972/apple-ultra-accessory-connector-uac-made-for-iphone-headphones
Still – sounds like a bag of hurt.
At least 3.5mm audio jack didn’t hurt.
I have been struggling finding Bluetooth headphones I like.
It’s not new, and it’s not from Apple:
https://arstechnica.com/apple/2017/02/no-apple-isnt-developing-an-all-new-port-for-accessory-makers/
Apple really, I mean really needs itself a brain-to-real-world connector and stop producing electronic waste! I have dozens of cables and connectors and dongles that aren’t longer used. That’s also a waste of money for all of us!