Apple recently launched its latest iPhone model, and it quickly became the fastest selling smartphone from the manufacturer to date. Although the phone is still in very high demand, some of its features have proven to be controversial with consumers.
One such feature is its new lightning connector. Until the iPhone 5 was launched, every previous model in the range utilised a universal 30 pin connector. This meant that accessories were compatible with all previous iPhone models as well as iPads and iPods. Unfortunately, because the iPhone 5 has a different type of connector, it means that existing ones which were compatible with previous iPhone models have now been rendered useless with the new model unless an adaptor is purchased.
All adaptors and lightning connectors are made by Apple and have authentication chips built into them. This ensures the only Apple-made products will work on the devices, so Apple essentially holds a monopoly over the iPhone 5 accessory market, which is likely to prove very lucrative over the upcoming Christmas period. The use of authentication ships mean that Apple holds all the power, and has recently suspended the licensing of iPhone 5 accessories for third party manufacturers. When it decides to do so, it will still make money from supplying these authentication chips. Visit our website for the most popular iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S Deals.
However, Gizmodo has recently reported that manufacturers in China may have found a way round these authentication chips and have reportedly created lightning connectors which do not have authentication chips built into them, but still work perfectly with the iPhone 5.
This has led people to assume that we are soon to see the market flooded with cheaper iPhone 5 accessories and more choice for consumers as has been the case with accessories for previous iPhone models. However, given Apple’s track record of suing companies which are detrimental to their business, this may be some way off.
