Op-ed: Why now could be the right time for Apple to ditch the dock connector
One of the long-rumored features of the next-generation iPhone is a revised, smaller dock connector. This has been discussed in the rumor mill since before the launch of the last iPhone, and the buzz only continues on today. Case in point: according to recent report by TechCrunch, several manufacturers claim that Apple will adopt a new 19-pin replacement for its now ubiquitous 30-pin dock connector.
But although such a change would present difficulties for the legion of companies that make accessories for iPhones, iPads, and iPods, we think now might actually be a good time for Apple to make that switch.
The 30-pin dock connector first appeared on the third-generation iPod in 2003. The dock connector replaced the FireWire port used on the first two iPods, and allowed Apple to offer both USB and FireWire options, opening the iPod to Windows users. The connector also became a standard that manufacturers could use to make accessories compatible with Apple's growing iPod ecosystem.
