Wasn't wireless the future? And Apple still hasn't fixed the fragmentation of lightning and usb-c, and yet another propietary connector? What a mess.
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Apple Working on 'Ultra Accessory Connector' for Made for iPhone Program [Updated]
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I hardly see it as interesting rather than just plain stupid. Why in the world are they introducing ANOTHER connector?
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.
It's "unknown" why they don't use the standards is it? BS. It's obvious that Apple loves those license fees and selling $20 adapters. In short, the answer is GREED.
They just use the old casing, the beatsX is a new design and has Lightning. I was correcting this:
Either its a little bit of Greed and too much time to focus on a solution for a problem that already has a solution and not update the rest of the product line.
Should we update the rest of the product line, nah just lets create a new USB connector type to collect on those MFi fees. Pathetic.
That's what the aim of this port seems to be.
It makes more sense than you guys are realizing.
It's not like the Apple product line is all upto date or anything /s.
Once Apple adopts USB-C on all iOS devices, this will not be a requirement. It seems to be Apples stubbornness to make the transition on their iOS devices.
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Apple is transitioning to an accessory company.
Please, no more proprietary connectors. Besides being really annoying/limiting, it ends up adding more waste to the junkyard.
USB-C is inferior to lightning. I'd hate my iPhone to have USB-C, it makes sense for them to work on an alternative and have the option of sticking with lightning.
To clarify, the UAC port would be a part of the headphones.
You would then use a UAC->USB-C cable to hook it up to your macbook pro, or use a UAC->lightning cable to hook it up to your iPhone 7, or even a 3.5mm port on an old iPhone.
This solves the issue of not being able to use wired headphones with all your devices. Great news really.
Just use USB-C for goodness sake! You're making everyone's lives miserable by not adopting standard connectors into your mobile devices!
Steve brought us the 30-pin adapter and Lightning so he'd very likely be in support of this, too.
And we're all speculating that UAC will be on the iOS device - what if it's just on the headphone, replacing miniUSB? So Lightning remains on the iOS device and instead of Lightning to miniUSB on the headphones, you'd have Lightning to UAC.
USB-C is inferior to Lightening, hate to burst your bubble however the entire computing industry is transitioning to USB-C, including Apple with its Mac products. Just because something is superior does not mean it will be well adopted by the market i.e. Firewire 400/800, etc. History speaks.
If Lightening is superior, why are other companies and the market not adopting it, ah yes licensing fees. Greater good by Apple, I think not.
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
Somebody needs to get the sack. We should be getting rid of all cables, none, zip, nada!
I agree with all of the above, and I give Apple credit for the pushing of technological boundaries, but the USB camp will never adopt an Apple designed standard. Even the ThunderBolt standard developed by Intel (with heavy input from Apple), as awesome as it is, could barely get off the ground beyond professional use, whereas TB3 may have a chance for much wider adoption as the protocol is delivered exclusively via USB-C.
Whether we like it or not, the USB standard is here to stay, so Apple's new Ultra Accessory Connector will likely end up as another proprietary connection method, with more dongle headache for consumers.
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Another? Again? Really? Apple is getting stupid with this. Lightning should be the end all be all for mobil connections for Apple.
History says that if Apple is developing this UAC, it will eventually be phased out. Look at what happened to FireWire 400/800, TB1/2, etc. Might as well just cut your loses and focus on including USB-C in your iOS devices. Better yet micro/nano USB-C connectors to make Apple wet dream of thinner devices a reality.
While probably true, I think you guys are forgetting this part.