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Apple Working on 'Ultra Accessory Connector' for Made for iPhone Program [Updated]
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So they can make more money from proprietary ports with accessories. It's simple. Why not go with a universal port like USB-C (Isn't that the whole reason why the MacBook Pro only has four of those?)? It's becoming obvious that Apple doesn't know how to stay unified within its own ecosystem.
Seems like the setting up of a strawman - dongles and connectors don't work, so make everything wireless.
Apple knows how to stay unified. They just don't respect consumers. Vote with your wallet and don't buy their products.. watch how quickly they'll change their stance.
My guess is that this is intended as a supplemental port rather than as a replacement for Lightning or USB-C. I.e. it's just to provide access to a physical audio connection where either there isn't enough room for a larger port, or where wireless connections are impractical.
They are heavily promoting wireless for audio connections. This looks like a subset of Lightning rather than a push to sell more adapters.
Exactly this.
It is not about selling dongles to customers. It is about making money from third party. They gotta pay the apple tax too.
Why does the USB IF not create a micro USB-C connector from the start, that can be used with mobile devices, etc. At this rate we will have a regular USB-C port and micro USB-C port with the a boatload of adapters, etc.
Stop the madness already, it seems all these companies are nickel and dime-ing consumers. We all know that USB-C was created/developed to have one cable to rule them all and the future is going mobile with thinner/smaller devices. Why not just create the USB-C port with a micro form-factor to begin with. Now Apple comes in with their own answer. Why does it seems that these companies develop the connector as an after thought and consumers are left with the high cost to adapt/adopt.
USB IF, get with the program. Create a micro USB-Whatever from the start. Enough with adding needlessly to the landfill already.
#MakeiPhoneGreatAgain
Blatent cash grab by Apple. Never would have flown under Steve.
Blatent cash grab by Apple. Never would have flown under Steve.
Apple is working on a new "Ultra Accessory Connector" that would be built into headphones and headsets certified under its Made for iPhone licensing program.
The connector, introduced as part of a developer preview as shared by 9to5Mac, features 8 pins and measures 2.05mm by 4.85mm, thinner and smaller than existing Lightning and USB-C ports. It is said to be similar in shape and size to ultra mini USB connectors that are available in some accessories.
According to Apple's Made for iPhone specifications for the Ultra Accessory Connector (UAC), it's designed to be used with headphone cables. Accessory manufacturers will be able to develop Lightning to UAC, USB-A to UAC, and 3.5mm jack to UAC cables, connecting to a UAC port built into an accessory for charging and audio purposes.
The UAC is smaller than USB-C or Lightning, both pictured
Such a port could perhaps be built into products like Beats headphones, which currently use micro-USB for charging purposes, and it could save internal space manufacturers could use for other components.
Why Apple has developed a new port rather than encouraging manufacturers to adopt USB-C or Lightning is unknown (there are already MFi specifications for Lightning ports), and it is also unclear if Apple will allow accessories beyond headphones to use the new Ultra Accessory Connector in the future.
Article Link: Apple Working on New 'Ultra Accessory Connector' for Made for iPhone Program
OMFG, stop the madness! What is the civil commitment process in California, we need to have Tim committed because he is clearly a harm to others.
The thing is, there is no one standard at the moment. USB-A connectors comes as close as anything to that. The reality is, USB-C is overkill on a mobile device. Lightning is good, but most manufacturers are not going to adopt it. Since this is a rumor, it's possible that Apple is looking past Lightning and USB-C, and planning a universal connector they can get everyone on board with -- Maybe an open standard connector that only triggers license fees for use with Apple protocols.
Wireless is the future, except in those few circumstances where wired connections are essential. And that's what Apple's likely designing for, especially considering Beats is a cross-platform company where a real universal standard would greatly improve the product.