New 19 Pin iPhone Connector Makes Current Docks Obsolete

Apple’s new iPhone will drop the wide dock connector used in current model smartphonesInstead the Company is set to adopt a smaller connector which could result in many current docks becoming obsolete if a user upgrades their iPhone.

The iPhone 5, which will feature the new smaller 19 pin connector versus the current 30 pin connector is set to go on sale in September.

The move to a 19 pin plug has been made to facilitate a new headphone pin at the bottom of the device.

The new pin also means all current charging systems will also be made obsolete.

“It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors,” said Pete Cunningham, London-based analyst at technology research firm Canalys told Reuters  “The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change it as expected.”

In China several vendors have already begun offering cases for the new phone, complete with earphone socket on the bottom and a “guarantee” the dimensions are correct.

Reuters said “iPod docking speaker sales have been declining for one or two years,” said an employee of a Hong Kong-based company that designs speakers especially for Apple products.

“My previous factory is a lucky one. They shifted the focus to Bluetooth speakers, which proved a wise decision now,” the employee said, speaking on condition of anonymity.