iPhone 5 to sport even smaller dock connector?

iPhone 5 to sport even smaller dock connector?
As the rumours get bigger, the dock connector is getting smaller

It looks likely that Apple could ditch the 30-pin port on the iPhone 5, but it may be replacing it with an 8-pin alternative and not the much rumoured 19-pin option.

Apple's mobile devices currently all sport the famous 30-pin dock connector, with iPods, iPhones and iPads included here – however it looks like that's all about to change.

According to two iLounge sources, who recently claimed the iPad Mini may get its own launch event, the new iPhone will reportedly pack the tiny 8-pin port.

New iOS 6 feature

The sources also claim Apple is working on a new feature in iOS 6 which will use Bluetooth 4.0 to act as a bridge between compatible devices.

The thinking is the new feature could allow a future iPod to do a variety of tasks, such making calls via an iPhone running iOS 6.

Once again, we're not overly convinced with these particular sources, with no clear indication on how well 'connected' they are, plus there's still no guarantee that Apple will shy away from that 30-pin port.

We expect the new iPhone to arrive in September or October, with September 12 being the date currently circulating regarding an iPhone 5 launch.

You can keep up to date on all the new iPhone stories with our iPhone 5 release date, news and rumours article.

From iLounge

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.