Apple's Smaller Dock Connector Reportedly Coming to Entire iOS Device Lineup Including iPad This Fall

[BigJohno]

Because the cable is quite short, it is easy to tug on the connections when answering a call on a charging iPhone. I would rather the cable disconnected than put pressure on the connections or the cable. I have had a cable split where it goes into the connector because of this.

I have also nearly dragged my iPad off a table when I caught the cable. Magsafe is great, I would love to see it on iOS.

They made the magsafe 2 smaller on the retina and it has even less magnetic force. They would have to make it even smaller for the iphone or ipad. People also still use it to transfer data. What if it just pops off when transferring data. That would be frustrating.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Yes, I read the article.

...

Ok, so let's break this down.

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You've got to make the assumption that Apple will do something uncharacteristic, to assume that the 'iPad 3' will get a mid-cycle update which changes nothing more than the dock connector. You've also got to make the same assumption that they'll do a full-blown update so soon after the release. The rumor in question here *doesn't* say that they'll all be updated this fall. It says that they'll all be updated, and it'll *start* this fall.

You can break down the wordage they used all you want, but the intent of the person that wrote the original iMore article was that all of those products would be updated this fall. because if you actually DID read the article (as you claim to) you would have seen

We've gone over the reasons why Apple would release an iPad mini and how they could implement it before, but refreshing the iPad 3 so soon after it's March, 2012 launch, especially considering past updates have occurred only yearly schedules, is something equally interesting to consider.

Apparently, Apple believes consistent Dock connectors across the line, and other improvements they're able to make to the new iPad this point, are more important than sticking to yearly release schedules. Apple has previously shown little aversion to extending release schedules, with a 16 month gap between iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, and no substantive iPod touch updates for 23 months and counting. But what about significantly shortening them?

Rumors of early iPad updates also aren't without precedent. Last year Daring Fireball, TechCrunch, and iMore and others heard the iPad 3 was being considered for a fall 2011 launch before ultimately getting scheduled into the "regular" spring 2012 slot.

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Whether a new, new iPad this fall would be an iPad 4,1 or simply a new iPad 3,x is unclear. Certainly Apple could decide again to hold off on any and all updates until next spring, or could do a more modest iPad 3 update this fall and a proper iPad 4 next spring.

Unlikely or not, the information that iMore is trying to convey (from a supposed inside source) is that the 9.7" iPad will be refreshed this fall. You need to work on your reading comprehension.

 

[WildCowboy]

Yes, I read the article.

Wait? Are you saying a *headline* is how you jumped from "they're going to start updating devices to the new connector this fall", to "they're going to update all the devices to the new connector this fall"?

I read it very differently than you do.

You ignore the paragraph where Rene talks about how this fall update for the iPad would be a departure:

Apparently, Apple believes consistent Dock connectors across the line, and other improvements they're able to make to the new iPad this point, are more important than sticking to yearly release schedules.

I also disagree with your conclusion that "do it" "as soon as" means that's when they'll start. To me, that's a statement of completion within that timeframe. And yes, the headline gives that outside of that timeframe. So the claim is that the whole lineup is moving sometime between September 12 and the end of fall.

The only issue is a bit of hedge on the timing. iPhone, iPod touch and probably iPod nano seem to be coming on September 12. Sources seem divided on whether iPad mini would come at same time or maybe a little bit later. If the full-size iPad were to be updated in this timeframe, I'd say it would go with the iPad mini introduction, so the hedge is whether it all happens at once on September 12 or if half of it happens on that date and the rest of it a month or so later.

 

[v0lume4]

This is one of those ridiculous rumors that i, once again, do not understand. I'm no market expert but I don't see Apple making an actual hardware change to an existing iOS product mid-cycle like this suggests. I.e.-Putting a new dock connector on the new iPad.

 

[prowlmedia]

Why? What benefit does it have. Are you tripping over your phone charge a lot?

Well I have certainly caught it and sent it flying before. But the main reason for a mag safe would be less wear and tear on the connector

I suspect they will have a small to large adaptor available - probably for the universal docks - I imagine it would have to be active if they are dropping the number of pins though

Also adaptors that will fit speaker docks etc... but I am guessing with airplay they are thinking that is less of a necessity.

 

[deaglecat]

I.e.-Putting a new dock connector on the new iPad.

After how long does the "new iPad" just become the "iPad" ?

I don't see it happening either - unless the industrial production needs demand it (e.g. too high a return rate or too high a production cost).

 

[iEvolution]

This might come off as being childish but I just shelled out ~$900 in a 64GB iPad 3 (with accessories), they update the iPad 3 already I won't buy another.

 

[prowlmedia]

Regarding the iPad being updated now a smaller dock connector now... I see this only if they are releasing some special dock connectors.

There is the possibility they they are considering on updating the iPad incrementally on more than a yearly basis and could be the reason they have striped the numbers off the iPad.

They don't have a numbering system for the Macs do they? (what would we be on the iMac 18?)

Also I figure they are going to have to keep up with Android devices - and though I know it's all about the iOS experience - Android tablets are getting pretty powerful now ( with less battery life of course ) - Apple will have to make changes faster in the future I reckon.

 

[monaarts]

What's the point of doing that? Why not just wait until early next year?

So when people buy the new iPhone and later the new iPad they can use the same connection. They would cripple themselves, especially with 3rd party manufacturers, if they didn't make them the same on day one. If you were a company like, iHome, which dock connector would you use in your new products - BOTH?!?

 

[satkin2]

Although it would be a surprise if the iPad was updated so soon the timing of the releases has puzzled me, espacially as the iPad has matured. The Christmas/Thanksgiving holiday period is the prime time for people to buy iPads as gifts, yet given their past release schedule more and more average users (i.e. not the kind of people who hang out on sites like this) will be aware that a new one is coming out just after the holidays so may put off buying one. If there's a release just before the holiday period it really would capitalise on this market.

Having removed the numbering allows smaller updated with less controversy. If an update was made to an iPad 3 to and iPad 4 in 6 months Apple would get slammed. By just updating the iPad it's less of a story.

 

[Sedrick]

Samsung announces smaller dock connector coming out this Winter

That's some interesting time travel there where Samsung already has a mini usb connector on the GS3, but somehow is copying it from Apple?

 

[mattopotamus]

are people forgetting that adapters will exist...it will not make your accessories useless, and i'm sure they will be affordable.

 

[d0vr]

Woah, that's a big rumor if I ever heard one! I mean, it makes sense on several levels, but the entire iOS line? So many comments, but I'll try to just keep them to a few.

IMHO, I could easily see this happen as, again IMHO, the current refresh schedules are starting to go a little hey-wire, so this could be exactly what's needed to reset them into something that will make more sense going into the future (you know... for future product line launches -cough- iTV -cough-). In saying that though, I would be more likely to believe that the iPad (the current BIG one) won't get the updated dock just yet, and will wait till next year, and that we see the new dock in just the iPad mini.

I'm sure it's been asked before, but have questions about the inclusion of TB/USB3 been been answered/confirmed/speculated thoroughly/debunked yet? I would confused as to the point of a new dock connector if at least one of the two isn't included.

More to be said, but I'm sure it's been covered by everyone else. I hope this rumor turns out to be at least mostly accurate - though I imagine the iOS accessory manufacturers feel the same way.

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The Christmas/Thanksgiving holiday period is the prime time for people to buy iPads as gifts

Yup, and thinking about how well Apple products currently sell during the Christmas frenzy, imagine a new, smaller and lower priced 'entry level iPad'. It would sell like hotcakes. Imagine all the kids whose parents couldn't justify the current iPad as a present. I would say you are spot on about the iPad having started to mature though, and I agree, it would certainly be surprising if they released another iPad (maxi) so soon.

Then again, a new iPad every 6 months could be fun for some.

 

[garylapointe]

What's the point of doing that? Why not just wait until early next year?

To get everyone else on board with making cases, accessories, etc.

At the very least, Apple shouldn't be releasing new accessories that don't work on current products.

And this way, some people might pick up an iPad now and not next year.

But will they do it to the iPad 2 and iPhone 4? If they truly want to be consistant.

Like the new "Thunderbolt Dock" for iPad and iPhone... Or the "USB 3.0 Dock"...

Gary

 

[Ironduke]

they need to fix the connector on the iPad3 it shouldnt be angled

 

[bobob]

hope it's magsafe!

+1

 

[Tankmaze]

well it looks like the right move for Apple. and make sense actually.

Never understood the iPad release date in march, I mean the people who bought / got iPad on christmas would know there will be a new one on march.

and now all the lineup is ready for the holiday season and iPad could launch in every september like the rest iOS.

And also launching iOS product simultaneously could keep the hardware launch that much surprising, If you look at the iPad with the A4 and A5 chip we all would knew it would end up in the iPhone.

so this could be the right move for Apple, on the 1st quarter would be software launch / preview. like ML on feb this year, we all know Apple plan with yearly OS X update. and the 2nd - last quarter could be for hardware updates.

Can't wait till september.

 

[donnaw]

I don't follow these things as closely as many of you but from a supply and manufacturing point I would think that converting every device at the same time makes sense.

I'm not completely familiar with exactly what facilities Apple uses for the different devices but I thought it was the same plants. Regardless of their 'update' cycle just the logistics of continuing the manufacture and use of different connectors would result in a less stream-lined process. And let's face it, Apple's control and manipulation of their supply chain is a huge key to their success.

As I see it, it has nothing to do with product updates/refreshes. Just the dock connector. I predict (not that I'm any more knowledgable than anyone's else posting here) that the iPad will see only the new connector. Anything more at the same time as the iPhone update and possibily the Nano would result in more confusion in the manufacturing process.

 

[gregwyattjr]

I bought the new iPad in March and I'm gonna feel salty if they update it with anything other than a new dock connector this fall.

 

[basesloaded190]

So when people buy the new iPhone and later the new iPad they can use the same connection. They would cripple themselves, especially with 3rd party manufacturers, if they didn't make them the same on day one. If you were a company like, iHome, which dock connector would you use in your new products - BOTH?!?

If you think Apple gives a damn about 3rd party accessories you are only kidding yourself.

 

[ayale99]

This might come off as being childish but I just shelled out ~$900 in a 64GB iPad 3 (with accessories), they update the iPad 3 already I won't buy another.

Kinda funny that a guy named iEvolution is pissed about evolution.

 

[Tankmaze]

I don't follow these things as closely as many of you but from a supply and manufacturing point I would think that converting every device at the same time makes sense.

I'm not completely familiar with exactly what facilities Apple uses for the different devices but I thought it was the same plants. Regardless of their 'update' cycle just the logistics of continuing the manufacture and use of different connectors would result in a less stream-lined process. And let's face it, Apple's control and manipulation of their supply chain is a huge key to their success.

As I see it, it has nothing to do with product updates/refreshes. Just the dock connector. I predict (not that I'm any more knowledgable than anyone's else posting here) that the iPad will see only the new connector. Anything more at the same time as the iPhone update and possibily the Nano would result in more confusion in the manufacturing process.

Yeah that makes perfect sense, and maybe Apple wants to push faster adoption for the new connector. So third party company would adopt them in their iOS accesories/ecosystem.

 

[justinfreid]

An important change for the iOS and iPod

I think this is an important change for the iOS line, and maybe even the iPod, too.
The iPhone's moving to a nano-SIM plus this will give the engineers a lot more room to work with in designing updated chassises.
Perhaps an updated Nano (or even Shuffle) will use this connector and smaller devices will be wrapped around the new I/O port.
Imagining another strange dongle on the Apple Store is rather annoying, though.

 

[RvB2]

4G & LTE - THE REASON for Apple to upgrade the iPad ASAP. This will for sure be a huge selling point for iPhone 5, no reason to hold off on adding LTE to iPad at same time.

For sure there will only be one connector going forward… What would be the point of keeping other products on a different outdated connector? Apple will do as always - update all models to new technology as they hit next upgrade cycle.

Interesting to see when the iPod gets updated… would make sense to do this before holidays for a lot of reasons - new capacities, thinner screens, new connector, etc.

 

[lobster68w]

Absolutely STUPID idea. Apple, please join the rest of the world and just go to a micro USB so people can actually cross use all the damn cables we have. Do something for the common man for once. You don't need proprietary cables for christ sake.