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Apple introduces Lightning, the iPhone 5's 8-pin dock connector

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Thank the iPhone 5

Lightning connector
White lightning

Apple introduced a shocking new dock connector to pair with its new iPhone 5 during the phone's reveal Wednesday: the eight-pin Lightning.

According to Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide marketing, there hasn't been an iPhone dock connector change in nine years.

The phones have always used iPod connectors, Schiller said, but no more.

Adaptive device

Lightning is an all-digital, eight-signal design with an adaptive interface.

It's got improved durability, works using either side and is 80 percent smaller than its predecessors. Both the new iPod nano and iPod touch will feature slimmer slots for Lightning to slip into.

Don't fret, older iOS device users - Apple's created an adapter to accommodate 30-pin connectors. The cost of connecting? Pick one up for $29 (£18) and a 0.2m runs $39 (£24).

30-pin adapter

For all the 30-pin connectors (Credit: The Verge)

Via The Verge, Engadget, Gizmodo, Apple

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Michelle Fitzsimmons
Michelle Fitzsimmons

Michelle was previously a news editor at TechRadar, leading consumer tech news and reviews. Michelle is now a Content Strategist at Facebook.  A versatile, highly effective content writer and skilled editor with a keen eye for detail, Michelle is a collaborative problem solver and covered everything from smartwatches and microprocessors to VR and self-driving cars.