Apple is Creating a New 'Ultra Accessory Connector' for Headphones, Headsets

Currently, the connector will be for headphones and headsets and can be used to saved space. Apple has recently launched a developer preview of the connector for some MFi manufacturers. The MFi program shows that an accessory has been designed to connect to an iOS device and certified to meet Apple’s performance standards.

The site says that the 8-pin connector measures 2.05mm by 4.85mm at the tip. That’s thinner than a USB-C connection and almost half the width of both the pictured Lightning connection and USB-C.

Here’s more from the report:

It’s unclear exactly if Apple is planning to adopt the Ultra Accessory Connector beyond use with headsets through its official accessory program. So far the specs are offered to manufacturers as part of a developer preview, which Apple introduces through its MFi program to prepare manufacturers for adoption of new specs and hardware prior to making the components widely available for use in products. Apple similarly introduced MFi specs for Lightning headphones, as we first revealed back in 2014 prior to their introduction and later the removal of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7.

It’s unknown when or if we’ll ever see devices with the Ultra Accessory Connector.