Lightning Adapters Reportedly In Stock At Apple Retail Stores
October 19, 2012
For iPhone 5 owners, the day has finally come. We have received numerous reports from readers saying that Apple now has Lightning to 30-pin adapters in stock at retail stores. This news comes nearly a month after the sixth generation phone debuted.
The iPhone 5 is the first iOS device to come with the thinner and lighter Lightning connector. Unfortunately, this means that consumers must have adapters to use third-party accessories such as speakers and car chargers. Unfortunately, these adapters can be expensive.
The Lightning to 30-pin adapter is $29, while the Lightning to 30-pin adapter (0.2m) cable is $39. The iPhone 5 does not ship with an adapter.
As Brent Dirks reported earlier this month, less expensive third-party adapters won’t be arriving anytime soon thanks to Apple’s new Made for iPad/iPhone/iPod (MFi) policies. This requires that manufacturers must have their facilities approved by Apple before creating any Lightning connectors. To date, no facility has received Apple’s approval.
Having these adapters in stock couldn't come at a better time. After all, the so-called "iPad Mini" is likely to debut next week. Assuming the tablet does, it will almost certain come with a Lightning connector. And this says nothing about the rumors that suggest an iPad refresh is also coming and that too will use the new connector.
Apple began shipping preordered Lightning accessories earlier this month.
For more information on the Lightning connector, see Apple Making It Even More Difficult For Third-Party Manufacturers To Produce Lightning Connectors, Apple Is Not Including A Lightning To 30-Pin Adapter With The New iPhone 5, and Opinion: One Mostly Good Week With The iPhone 5.
Source: MacRumors