Rene Ritchie over at iMore is reporting that Apple’s famous dock connector may be on its way out in favor of a smaller, next generation connector. While Apple has been using the dock connector for firewire and USB charging and syncing since very early on in the original iPod’s life, the chunky connector is showing its age. As devices become thinner, a big, bulky connector becomes incredibly cumbersome. Perhaps Apple is ready to move forward.
Previously, some signs had pointed to Thunderbolt coming to iOS devices, and shipping devices that can actually use this great new standard would certainly bolster its adoption rate. Last month, we wrote an article about Belkin’s Thunderbolt Hub, and we’re still seeing a significant amount of traffic on that page. People are interested in where Thunderbolt is going, and a new connector that supports both super-fast Thunderbolt and good old mediocre USB 2.0 could really help Apple market Thunderbolt as something people should care about.
Even if this rumor turns out to be bogus, the dock connector’s day are numbered. No connector standard will last forever. It is just a matter of time until Apple is willing to bite the bullet, and make the jump. Are you excited about the prospect of a better, faster dock connector? Have you come up with a better design? Sound off in the comment section below this post. We’d love to hear your thoughts, and see your sketches.
Source: iMore
Image Credit: .::E1ement2048::.
