Fury at Apple's 'rip-off' plan to make ALL iPhone accessories obsolete

[dualmeister]

A few unhappy Apple fans I see.

Apple was accused of ripping off consumers today as it emerged the next version of the iPhone could render all current accessories obsolete.

Outraged iPhone owners flocked online to complain about the reports that Apple has decided to radically alter the size of the connector in the next iPhone, which is expected to be launched in October.

Speakers, docks and other expensive accessories costing hundreds of dollars would be rendered useless by the move, along with cheaper add-ons such as chargers. Even cars with the current connector built in would need to be upgraded.

Technology blog TechCrunch said it confirmed the change by speaking with three separate manufacturers, although Apple has not commented on the plan.

Current iPhones, and all previous models, have used a 30-pin connector for power and to plug in accessories.

However, reports claim the next iPhone will use a smaller 19-pin version, rendering all current accessories useless. Leaked pictures claiming to be the new handset also show a smaller, rounder connector.

Some reports claim the new connector will allow a smaller, thinner iPhone to be made, while others claim it could lead to a cable attached by magnets.
According to blogger Robert Scoble, the move will also allow Apple tighter control over accessory makers.

Apple charges firms to create accessories as part of its ‘made for iPhone’ scheme which approves add-ons, although the firm has never revealed how much it charges to join the scheme.

Manufacturers must also buy a special ‘authentication chip’ for some of their accessories, a move by Apple to cut down on unapproved accessories, and it is believed the chip is even found in some iPhone headphones.

'It will be nearly impossible to make unlicensed devices,' said Mr Scoble. 'Unfortunately these design goals mean making obsolete the something like 10 power chargers in my home. Sigh.'

Sirio Brozzi of the website Awesome Robo hit out at the move, and blogged: 'People are stunned by this possibility, myself included. I mean, why fix something that's not broken?'

Mr Brozzi believes the move is planned to give both Apple and accessory makers a huge new market.'

Have you guys ever heard of "planned obsolescence"?' he added. 'It's a practice which encourages planning and designing a product so it's only useful for a limited time, before becoming obsolete.'

Rest of the article

[sand_man]

Yeah, count me in. Although all conjecture at this stage.

[marine1]

Serves people right for buying into a mafia company

[sand_man]

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/apple/ipho...-magsafe/13177

Had hoped it was a microUSB but then that would require an HDMI port for connecting to HDTV

[ozziej]

Ugh. People really get their knickers in a knot over things. What about all the people that bought those blank VCR tapes, dammit they don't fit into my DVD-Recorder. I'm gonna sue.
Its called progress, the 31 pin dock connector is about 7 years old or something. Get over it.
I've got a radio transmitter for our 2nd gen iPod nano that doesn't work on my iPhone anymore. boo hoo. it served its purpose when I needed it. So what if you have to shell out for another device that you will use for the next 3 - 4 years. Just sell the ones that you have already got with the iPhone 4/S when you get rid of that, you'll make at least half the money back and you can buy new ones. Really. Find something worthwhile to complain about. #richwhitepeopleproblems

[SirFooK'nG]

surely they can make a very small 19 pin to 30 pin adapter, that could still fit in current equipment?

[sand_man]

surely they can make a very small 19 pin to 30 pin adapter, that could still fit in current equipment?

Assume so, sure the new iPhone will ship with a adapter, that's if this change is in fact forthcoming...

[icyrus]

The dock connector has been around for 11 years. If they do decide to change it so be it. Accessory manufactures have had a good run.

[Fudzy]

Great move IMO, will force peripheral manufacturers to look at the Apple alternatives.

[sand_man]

The dock connector has been around for 11 years. If they do decide to change it so be it. Accessory manufactures have had a good run.

Small conciliation for the guy (probably a rich white person) that's just dropped R8k on a Bose docking station

[SirFooK'nG]

+1 this is exactly what they've done with the new MagSafe connector for the MBPwRD.

I dont see a major issue.... lol....

[unskinnybob]

I'm a +1 to that list. Getting an AUX cable for my iphone that fit my car's radio was a ball-ache. I have another for my bedroom TV. And a USB cable for my PC at home, PC at work, notebook, etc.

I'm going to have to replace a brazillion cables.

[Pr⊕phet]

Fury at Apple's 'rip-off' plan to make ALL iPhone accessories obsolete

The horror

[PsyWulf]

I'm going to have to replace a brazillion cables.

1 more reason Apple are a bunch of d i-c ks
Use Micro USB like the rest ya blighters

[Ancalagon]

Well this is what you get when you buy into Apple's walled garden - you play by Apple's rules. Compare that to Android, where they use something called "standards". I know, crazy, right?