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Apple Introduces New iPhone Dock With Lightning Connector for $39

Tech198 said:
"...making it compatible with both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and likely other iOS devices with Lightning connectors in the future."

Until Apple releases a incompatible one that is. They always do.

Just when u think this will be "the one" they change it... Apple make think this is going to be around for a long time, but USB-C will replace this.
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Apple has changed the dock connector type exactly once in the entire history of the iPhone/iPad. That is an exceptional track record. Moreover, there is no reason to think Lightning is going anywhere. It clearly was designed with the intention that it would be around for years.

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Tech198 said:
so u'r basing this on what previously been done ?
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To respond to a comment based on what Apple "always" does, one needs to consider what previously has been done. Obviously.
 
bluespark said:
Apple has changed the dock connector type exactly once in the entire history of the iPhone/iPad. That is an exceptional track record. Moreover, there is no reason to think Lightning is going anywhere. It clearly was designed with the intention that it would be around for years.

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To respond to a comment based on what Apple "always" does, one needs to consider what previously has been done. Obviously.
Click to expand...
A single change that has already happened in a short 8 year history doesn't really indicate much one way or another.
 
ScottHammet said:
I've got a lightning doc that I bought at the same time as my 5s. The article makes it sound like Apple hasn't had one since inception, but it's been there at least 2 years, maybe longer (don't know if it was available for the 5 launch).
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Yep, I have a iPhone-5 lightning dock also. The writer must have overlooked this article from 2013:

https://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/1...-for-iphone-5s-and-5c-new-2m-lightning-cable/

It's a shame that Apple can't get its act together and release these docks at the same time as the new phones - how many months has it been since the 6 and 6+ came out?
 
Make it $59, add optical combo jack on top of headphone jack, just like the Macbook Pro and iMac. Oh and also a good old built in IR sensor for remote, that would be a perfect hifi companion.

Headphone jack only is so lame, yes it is very common but some people don't want to rely on built in DAC, also Lightning is already capable of digital audio out so why not make use of it? Airplay is great for lossless transmission but suck on iPhone battery.
 
No back = better 'support' for devices in cases. The placement of the back support always made iPhones/iDevices with cases problematic.

cyberhazy said:
Yep, I have a iPhone-5 lightning dock also. The writer must have overlooked this article from 2013:

https://www.macrumors.com/2013/09/1...-for-iphone-5s-and-5c-new-2m-lightning-cable/

It's a shame that Apple can't get its act together and release these docks at the same time as the new phones - how many months has it been since the 6 and 6+ came out?
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Yeah. It would have been nice to have these when the new models came out -- but at least the design can support future models that use the lightning connector.
 
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but...

Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the only lightning accessory to allow line-out audio straight from the lightning connector? I could've sworn that the lightning connector didn't (at the time, at least) support audio out. I've repeatedly looked for a car audio solution for my (then) iPhone 5, and now my iPhone 6, but I never found a way to charge + play with one cable.

If that's the case, what the hell, Apple??!
 
bluespark said:
Apple has changed the dock connector type exactly once in the entire history of the iPhone/iPad. That is an exceptional track record. Moreover, there is no reason to think Lightning is going anywhere. It clearly was designed with the intention that it would be around for years.

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To respond to a comment based on what Apple "always" does, one needs to consider what previously has been done. Obviously.
Click to expand...

Or Apple could make use of the new USB-C on future iOS hardware. Not only it looks as great and compact as Lightning but it also does a lot more. Direct audio video out, USB host support, and charging all at once using one port.

I wouldn't bet on Lightning for long term, maybe 2 or 3 years from now Apple would move on with USB C for both Mac and iOS devices.
 
athleticsfan said:
Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the only lightning accessory to allow line-out audio straight from the lightning connector? I could've sworn that the lightning connector didn't (at the time, at least) support audio out. I've repeatedly looked for a car audio solution for my (then) iPhone 5, and now my iPhone 6, but I never found a way to charge + play with one cable.

If that's the case, what the hell, Apple??!
Click to expand...

Apple's Lightning-to-30-pin adapter and adapter cable also include the same DAC circuitry for generating line-out audio, in a more portable form factor than these desktop docks. You can then connect the 30 pin adapter to any generic 30-pin line-out dock connector that breaks out into USB for charging and a stereo mini plug. I use a Griffin Autopilot to plug in to my car's aux input.

Of course this is all a bit silly since 30-pin is history. Apple really should make a new lightning dongle that has line-out audio along with USB for charging, kind of like the HDMI dongle but a lot simpler.
 
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athleticsfan said:
Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong, but is this the only lightning accessory to allow line-out audio straight from the lightning connector? I could've sworn that the lightning connector didn't (at the time, at least) support audio out. I've repeatedly looked for a car audio solution for my (then) iPhone 5, and now my iPhone 6, but I never found a way to charge + play with one cable.

If that's the case, what the hell, Apple??!
Click to expand...

I can certainly play my iPhone 6 via lightning cable through my car radio. Plugs into car-supplied USB port on the other end. Charging occurs simultaneously (though not very fast).
 
Just got one earlier today at the Apple Store - it's super sturdy and is really nice, I don't foresee an issue of the phone breaking the connector.

Now - I will say the phone wiggles a bit side to side; mine wants to lean to the left a bit which is a bit annoying. So there is that - but a gentle nudge has it balancing properly.

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stract said:
I can certainly play my iPhone 6 via lightning cable through my car radio. Plugs into car-supplied USB port on the other end. Charging occurs simultaneously (though not very fast).
Click to expand...

But that is digital audio out, is it not? I believe athleticsfan is looking for an analog audio out.

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jev425 said:
has anyone actually picked one up from a store today?
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I did, it's rather nice!
 
stiligFox said:
Just got one earlier today at the Apple Store - it's super sturdy and is really nice, I don't foresee an issue of the phone breaking the connector.

Now - I will say the phone wiggles a bit side to side; mine wants to lean to the left a bit which is a bit annoying. So there is that - but a gentle nudge has it balancing properly.
Click to expand...

Is there weight to it or is it pretty light
 
jev425 said:
Is there weight to it or is it pretty light
Click to expand...

It's very diminutive - it's tiny compared to my old Apple Universal Dock, but it's still rather weighty. It weighs 2.5 ounces while my iPhone 6 with the Apple Leather cover weighs 5.0 ounces. The center of gravity is such that I can push the iPhone (one the cradle) back about three inches before it would tip over backward (although the Lightning cable would prevent this)
 
scottish said:
Bear in mind that the UK price includes VAT.

Still, $39 = £29.17 :s
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Very true, the price difference is actually not that great.

$39 = £26 (pre tax)

£35 with VAT removed is £29.16

So the Apple UK premium is just above £3 ($4.5), that an 11% uplift. Which considering the higher cost of doing business in the UK is not too bad. If people want to get upset at someone, the Government would be a better bet.

On the other hand, just think of all that VAT making it's way to the NHS that will support you in your old age :)
 
$tevejob$ said:
£35 on the UK store

$39 = £35 :s

Got one anyway
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Or you could go to your local pound shop and buy a generic model for £1 :D I know the plastic quality is better on Apple's original but but not 40 times better.
this is rubbery,it diesn't even have a back support,so that connector will break easily.
 
iSayuSay said:
Or Apple could make use of the new USB-C on future iOS hardware. Not only it looks as great and compact as Lightning but it also does a lot more. Direct audio video out, USB host support, and charging all at once using one port.

I wouldn't bet on Lightning for long term, maybe 2 or 3 years from now Apple would move on with USB C for both Mac and iOS devices.
Click to expand...

Why would Apple need to change the lightning connector to use USB-C? Two different ends of the cable.
 
This dock looks brilliant.

I'd love to know if it works with with the iPhone 5 or 5s in an Apple leather case.

edit: just saw a youtube review. It works. Nice!
 
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FINALLY! Buying one now.

All we need now is an iPad Air / Mini dock.

- - - - - - - - - - -

On second thought . . . . maybe not. Didn't get a good look at the photo. That thing looks good and flimsy.
 
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