iPhone, iPad, iPod lines all getting a new connector come September 12, sources say

Aug 7, 2012 07:49 GMT  ·  By

The iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod lines are getting refreshed this fall to include a new specification that Apple plans to make a standard across the iOS ecosystem.

Already confirmed in hardware leaks, the new “mini” dock connector is said to be making its way into Apple’s bestselling iOS devices, including the iPod and the iPad lines.

iMore claims to have learned from reliable sources that “Apple intends to update their entire lineup of iOS device products to support the new, miniaturized Dock connector, and to do it as early as the rumored September 12 special event this fall.”

It is unclear whether or not the iPad refresh will include the rumored iPad mini.

There’s also a chance Apple will roll out an updated version of the current-generation iPad featuring the smaller dock connector and improved functionality to eliminate the overheating issues some customers are experiencing.

The iPhone refresh is pretty much a given, where the smaller dock connector can be considered the least important change. The next-generation smartphone from Apple will boast a bigger screen, a new design with an overall bigger form factor, and relocated ports and buttons.

The September 12 refresh stems from the Wall Street Journal whose reliable sources have pinned the Apple event to that date.

Perhaps not coincidentally, two sources with knowledge of Apple’s next-generation hardware have told iLounge that the new Dock Connector features only 8 pins.

Both sources said that “there are eight pins in a line within the new Dock Connector,” with a third source corroborating their claims.

Per the report, the source went on to explain that “the male connector has 8 pins on each side, while the female connector has only 8 pins on one side. This enables the iPhone/iPod/iPad (with female port) to connect to either side of a male cable or docking plug.”