iPhone 6 Release Date, Specs & Features: Photo Leak Reveals New Lightning Cable [Rumors]
Apple is already expected to give its iPhone line a major overhaul with the anticipated iPhone 6 but it seems even standard hardware may be getting a lift. Many sites indicate that Apple may be releasing a new lighting cable with reversible USB connectors.
Sonny Dickson posted a photo of an alleged reversible USB port for Apple's newer Lighting cables on Twitter.
Word on the new Lightning cable to accompany the iPhone 6 and other new generation devices were first reported on Dianxinshouji via iClarified. The photos were said to be have been sourced From Foxconn and show the USB connector in a new middle location as opposed to the original near-side location in the standard model.
Apple is said to have filed for a patent for a reversible USB connector with the site quoting:
"Embodiments can provide reversible or dual orientation USB plug connectors for mating with standard USB receptacle connectors, e.g., a standard Type A USB receptacle connector. Accordingly, the present invention may be compatible with any current or future electronic device that includes a standard USB receptacle connector. USB plug connectors according to the present invention can have a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design, which enables the plug connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two intuitive orientations."
The thinner pins placed in the middle of the metal casing will allow the same space for proper port plug-in regardless of which way you put it in.
Should these leaks be true, this will be the second major enhancement Apple has made in its charger cables. The earlier 30-pin cable was upgraded to an 8-pin Lighting cable that addressed the side-specific plug-in issue. This claimed new change would address the lingering frustration of one-sided USB port orientation.
Additionally, MacRumors recalls another report from MacOtakara claiming:
"Apple is preparing an upgraded Lightning cable to accommodate high-definition playback on Made for iPhone audio accessories, which may include a next-generation version of its In-Ear Headphones. Apple also introduced Lightning Cable MFi specifications for headphones in June, which could also be integrated with newer Lightning cables."
It seems Apple is heeding the clamor of its customers this time around. Aside from the practical applications of these charger changes, the iPhone 6 is expected to be Apple's first major physical upgrade since the iPhone 4.
The iPhone 6 is expected to be released in a special event scheduled for September 9. The next-generation smartphone is said to be released in two sizes, a 4.7-inch and a larger 5.5-inch phablet, an Apple first.