Apple’s Ultra Accessory Connector: A New Type or Not?
On Monday a report by 9to5Mac spread widely that Apple may plan to adopt a new connector type for accessories for iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices through its official Made-for-iPhone (MFi) licensing program. The new connector type, smaller than USB-C and Lightning ports, is dubbed as “Ultra Accessory Connector” (UAC).
Measuring in at 2.05mm by 4.85mm at the tip, the new 8-pin connector will, in some cases, replace Lightning and USB connector for charging, audio and data connections, according to the report. If so, it may allow accessory makers to save space inside their designs and moreover, affect the interface specification that manufactures use.
Subsequent reports, however, suggested that the UAC port was not made by Apple and that it isn’t new. Ars Technica revealed that “Ultra Accessory Connector” is Apple’s name for an obscure but already-existent port. The port has been used in some digital cameras and other accessories, with different names like “Ultra Mini Connector” or “UC-E6” cable.
UAC is just another connector for the regular-old USB spec. When contacted for comment, Apple has told Ars Technica that “it was adding the port to the MFi program at the request of licensees, not because it’s trying to push licensees to support a new kind of connector”. And it is more likely that Apple just simply allows makers of MFi products to use the port and to “develop Apple-blessed cables and adapters for UAC to USB-A, UAC to USB-C, and UAC to 3.5mm headphone jack connections”, instead of trying to replace current connectors.
There is an opinion in the industry that in future Apple may adopt universal accessories for all its macOS and iOS devices. The changes of ports in Apple devices have triggered controversy and brought troubles for users who own multiple products. Apple has replace its proprietary Lightning connector with the USB-C on the new Macbook Pro in October, while its iOS devices still use Lightning connectors. The standard 3.5mm headphone jack has been removed from iPhone 7 and replaced by Lightning, though many users prefer to have USB-C connector in their smartphones.
Which connector do you prefer to have in your Apple devices? Welcome to leave your comment.