El Lightning port female connector It is something that we have only seen on iOS devices. The one that most manufacturers use for their accessories is the male version of the connector, however, in some cases it may seem necessary to use this connector in its female version.
Apple is already in negotiations with different accessory manufacturers for them to implement the new connector in their products. As you know, this requires being part of the MFi (Made for iPhone) program and therefore, comply with some of the rules that Apple has detailed:
- Female connector will be used in many accessories such as speakers, internal battery cases, external batteries, docks, etc. Many of these accessories today use the microUSB connector but with the female Lightning, we can use the cables that Apple supplies as standard in each current iOS device.
- It should offer possibilities of simultaneous charging and syncing. It is something that we already have today but that Apple wants to keep in this version of its proprietary connector.
- Only one Lightning port per accessory. With this specification we say goodbye to accessories that allow the charging or connection of multiple devices at the same time.
- No cables and no power supplies. Apple wants manufacturers to reduce manufacturing costs, urging the user to use the USB charger and Lightning cable. Obviously, if the electrical specifications require a power supply with a different voltage or amperage, it will be necessary to include it to avoid headaches. Still, for Apple the ideal would be that no additional cables or chargers or power supplies were included.
- Faster charging: One of the advantages of Lightning over microUSB is the support for faster charge the battery of iOS devices. Apple recommends accessory manufacturers that their products be capable of supplying a charging current of 2,4A, with 1 Amp being the minimum required by the company.
Although no date yet To see the first accessories with a female Lightning port, this connector opens up a whole new range of possibilities and is on the same level as the old 30-pin connector. Do you remember Apple's universal dock? Maybe with this new connector we will see something similar in a few months.