Filip Novotny One of the main changes with the iPhone 5 is the new Lightning connector, which replaces the existing 30-pin docking connector. But why didn't Apple use standard Micro USB instead?
The new iPhone 5 brings a lot of hardware changes: a faster processor, 4G support, a better display or camera. Almost everyone will agree on the usefulness of these news. On the other hand, there is one change that may not be to everyone's liking. It is about changing the connector from the classic 30-pin to the new Lightning.
Apple operates with two big advantages in its marketing. First is size, the Lightning is 80% smaller than its predecessor. Secondly, double-sidedness, with the new connector it does not matter which side we insert it into the device. According to Kyle Wiens of iFixit, which disassembles all Apple products down to the last screw, the main reason for the change is the size.
"Apple has started to hit the limits of the 30-pin connector," he told Gigaom. "With the iPod nano, the docking connector was an obvious limiting factor." After replacing it, it was then possible to make the music player significantly thinner. This assumption certainly makes sense, after all, it wouldn't be the first time the engineers in Cupertino decided to take such a step. Just remember the introduction of the MacBook Air in 2008 - in order to maintain a thin profile, Apple omitted the standard Ethernet port from it.
Another argument is the obsolescence of the original docking connector. “Thirty pins is a lot for a computer connector.” Just look at the list of the pins used and it's clear that this connector really doesn't belong in this decade. Unlike its predecessor, Lightning no longer uses a combination of analog and digital connections, but is purely digital. "If you have an accessory like a car radio, you need to communicate via USB or a digital interface," adds Wiens. "The accessories will have to be a little more sophisticated."
At this point, it is possible to argue why instead of a proprietary solution, Apple did not use the universal Micro USB, which is starting to become a kind of standard. Wiens takes what he says is a "cynical view" that it's mainly about money and control over accessory manufacturers. According to him, Apple can make money by licensing Lightning for peripheral devices. According to the data of some manufacturers, this is an amount of one to two dollars for each unit sold.
However, according to technology expert Rainer Brockerhoff, the answer is much simpler. “Micro USB is not smart enough. It only has 5 pins: +5V, ground, 2 digital data pins and one sense pin, so most of the docking connector functions would not work. Only charging and syncing would remain. In addition, the pins are so small that none of the connector manufacturers allow the use of 2A, which is needed to charge the iPad."
As a result, it seems that both gentlemen have some truth. It seems that a Micro USB connector really wouldn't be enough for Apple's needs. On the other hand, it is difficult to find another reason for the introduction of the licensing model than the mentioned control over peripheral manufacturers. At this point, one important question remains: will Lightning really be faster, as Apple claims in its marketing?
Nice article Filipek, thanks for it!
They could have used Thunderbolt. Although it would increase the price a lot.
they couldn't because TB works on a PCI basis, which the iPhone doesn't support, it's an internal architecture issue.
Thunderbolt needs power. It was already written here.
Well, from my point of view, there is one very important reason why lightning and not mUSB, and that's because mUSB is just a nasty piece of shit. Lightning, on the other hand, is a really beautiful connector, and it mainly won for me with its feature that it can be plugged in on both sides ;).
Nice article
thanks for the article, now I understand why they chose this connector. ;)
I am an IT worker and I have to advocate for a new connector.
1) is "simple" - it doesn't matter how I connect it. I have to personally admit that I cursed the old dock connector more than once in the dark.
2) it is robust. most accessories are built on the principle of a docking station. I can't imagine using microUSB as a connector. almost every week I receive from my users devices where pins or entire connectors are broken. for Nokia, Samsung, HTC, external drives, card readers and many others.
3) as written in the article - it can do much more
4) is beautiful
5) will earn :D
I personally like the connector, except for the negative of changing docking stations around the apartment, in the car and the like :D I was just looking for something in the style of MagSafe (no more broken connectors :D )
the problem will be the owners of boxes and other accessories ... I don't know how they will want to make such accessories for this type of connector
"so most of the functions of the docking connector would not work" - iPhone docking commands can be sent serially ... these are just delusions for people who don't understand it