Why are some official Apple accessories not listed as compatible with iPhone 3G?

[slapple]

I want to get some accessories from the Apple store, but strangely there are some Apple products that only say they are compatible with the iPhone, they don't mention the iPhone 3G. For example:

Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...e/iphone_accessories/cables_docks&mco=MTQ2MTg

Apple USB Power Adapter
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...p_iphone/iphone_accessories/power&mco=MTQ1MzA


I don't think it's a matter of them not updating their product descriptions to include the iPhone 3G, because some of the products actually do say that they are compatible with both the iPhone and the iPhone 3G, like these:

Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...ne/iphone_accessories/headsets&mco=MTI4MDIzMw

Apple iPhone Bluetooth Travel Cable
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...e/iphone_accessories/cables_docks&mco=MTQ2MzQ

 

[SimplyBlue]

Both the cable and power adapter as available as one with this product for the 3G version -

http://store.apple.com/us/product/M...phone/iphone_accessories/power&mco=MTI5OTM3Mg

 

[slapple]

Thanks, I didn't even notice that one came with a cable. I guess the other power adapter isn't compatible for some reason. And does that mean the cable that they are selling by itself is different from the cable that comes with the power adapter you pointed out?

 

[skorpien]

I highly doubt this. I have an iPod 5G (Video) cable that I have used to sync and charge my iPhone 3G without issues. There were no warnings about incompatibility whatsoever. I think it's just a matter of them not updating their product pages, or just not thinking it necessary to do so. I think the USB wall charger just allows the cable to use a household outlet for power. So if the cable is compatible, the wall charger should be as well. And if the newer one is backwards compatible with the iPhone/iPod touch/iPods with dock connectors, then there's even more reason to believe that it would work.

But yes, the compact charger comes with a cable, which I apparently glossed over when ordering so I ordered an additional cable... Oh well, guess a spare's never a bad thing.

 

[lindsayanng]

the issue with chargers and OTHER things that connect to power (like FM transmitters) is that the only iphones and the ipods would use the basic 12V that comes out of a car battery or the wall. the NEW iphone 3G will ONLY use 5V, so using ANYTHING not made specifically to regulate the voltage coming out of the wall will FRY your iphone in a matter of months, or less.

With teh iphone 2G, you get the warning because even though it uses the same voltage, it requires a different amperage. With amps, you can have too little and the device will still work, but if you have too many, the device will fry. The GOOD thing is, if you use an ipod charger with an iphone, the amps are less than what is required, which is why the warning comes up, but it still works, so it will not FRY the iphone 2G

amps, watts, and voltage are very finicky things to learn and deal with, adn certain things can be interechanged, and certaint hings can not.. it is just how it is.

 

[lindsayanng]

oh yea.. and i BELIEVE that it is the cable that controls the flow of power, so if you have a firewire cable from an ipod it would NOT be good to use on your iphone 3G, but if you have a USB, i believe that one controls the Voltage to 5V, but i am NOT entirely sure on that