Lightning connector

A reversible 8-pin plug and socket for Apple mobile devices (the plug is inserted in either orientation). Lightning is at one end of the cable, and a USB Type A connector is at the other. Introduced in 2012 with the iPhone 5 and new iPods, Lightning superseded the 30-pin dock connector that dates back to 2001. Countless 30-pin cables and docks were adapted or updated.

No More Analog
The 8-pin Lightning is all digital, whereas the 30-pin interface included three analog audio lines. Although adapters let 30-pin cables plug into Lightning sockets, any device expecting analog signals would not work. For example, some car audio systems use the analog lines to transfer sound to the car's sound system. The final death knell to analog, starting with the iPhone 7, Apple eliminated the 3.5mm earphones jack, which has been an analog connector since the 1950s (see mini-phone connector). See Apple dock connector.

No Comparison

The 8-pin Lightning (top) takes up a lot less space than Apple's earlier 30-pin connector. In addition, there is no wrong way to insert the plug. See reversible plug.

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References in periodicals archive

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In December, reports first surfaced about the possible demise of the long-established 3.5mm headphone jack and the replacement of it with a thinner Lightning connector or with Bluetooth to help make the phones thinner, according to an earlier eWEEK story.

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The new CP2614 interface IC provides a turnkey audio bridge solution for a wide range of Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad (MFi) devices that use the all-digital Lightning connector. Target applications include audio accessories such as guitar and microphone recording dongles, audio docks and headphones.

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The company says it's working through its inventory before it will switch to a Lightning connector, like those used for the newest Apple mobile devices.

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Also, users can use TransferJet after attaching the adapter to an iPhone, iPad or iPod with a Lightning connector and downloading the iOS app from the App Store.

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It works with and charges iPod and iPhone models with an Apple Lightning connector. Its auxiliary input lets you play other audio devices; proprietary acoustic design produces full-range audio performance from a compact system.

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The Apple Lightning connector will allow a charge of about 2.4 amps per hour, so theoretically you can charge your iPhone in a couple of hours.

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Aside from the usual Lightning connector, it also provides a MicroUSB jack on the exterior for charging the case and phone.

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The JBL OnBeat Micro comes with the new Apple Lightning connector -- a small, reversible, all-in-one digital connector, which is 80 per cent smaller than the 30-pin connector utilised in previous Apple devices.

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Of course, it uses the Lightning connector. Apple says that, like the other iPads in the lineup, it still offers ten hours of battery life; the company boasts that the iPad mini uses the largest and thinnest battery Apple's ever made.

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