When Apple first launched the iPhone 5, its Lightning connector was met with skepticism, especially when Apple announced that it wouldn’t be releasing a dock for the new iPhone. A new Kickstarter project that’s been getting a ton of buzz over the last month, the Dock+, is looking to be one of the first to officially licensed a dock for the iPhone 5.
Compatible with the iPhone 5, fourth-generation iPad, iPad mini, and iPod touch, the Dock+ has been created to meet all of Apple’s requirements for official hardware partners. The project has submitted an application to the Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) program and is hoping for a quick approval.
The Dock+ is made from solid steel, more dense than aluminum, which means it won’t tip or wobble while your iPhone is connected, but it’s also easy to remove your device from the dock. It’s designed to accommodate cases and bumpers and also works with the iPad’s SmartCover.
Unlike already existing third-party docks, the Dock+ has a Lightning connector built right in, instead of a pass-through cable. It has a sleek and simple Apple-esque design, with a “sports car” surface finish that results in “an incredibly resilient, smooth, glossy finish that compliments your iPhone 5.” It comes in black, white, or “Kickstarter Edition” raw steel. When your iDevice sits on Dock+, it only touches the soft rubber pad so that it won’t get damaged or scuffed, which the iPhone 5 seems to be pretty more prone to in its current state.
If all goes as planned, the Dock+ is expected to be released in March 2013. Intrigued? Head over to Kickstarter now to learn more or to back this project.
