Get ready for ANOTHER cable for your iPhone: Apple to support new 'mini port' for accessories

Firm recently launched developer preview of new Ultra Accessory Connector
The new 8-pin connector is smaller than both USB-C and Lightning, report says
Port is already used by some manufacturers, but now has Apple's backing
Would be used as a headphone-side connector to provide a universal connection

By Cheyenne Macdonald and Harry Pettit For Mailonline

Published: 00:12 GMT, 7 February 2017 | Updated: 11:37 GMT, 7 February 2017

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Apple accessories are set to get a new connector type that could, in some cases, replace the use of Lightning and USB connectors, a new report claims.

The firm recently launched a developer preview of the new Ultra Accessory Connector (UAC), which it plans to implement through its official Made-for-iPhone licencing program, sources told 9to5Mac.

The new 8-pin connector, which is already used by some camera and headphone makers, is smaller than both USB-C and Lightning, and so far appears to be designed for use primarily with headphones.

While the name may sound unfamiliar, the connector design isn’t actually new. It’s currently available on the market under a slew of different name from other firms, like Mitsumi’s ‘Ultra Mini Connector’ and Nikon’s ‘UC-E6’ cable

The space-saving UAC measures 2.05mm by 4.85mm at the tip, and is similar in shape to the ultra mini USB connectors that come with accessories such as Nikon cameras, according to 9to5Mac.

It would be used as a headphone-side connector, both male and female, to provide a universal connection, Apple Insider reports.

Interchangeable cables would allow for the accommodation of a host device, such as a Lightning, USB-C, or 3.5mm headset jack.

While the name may sound unfamiliar, the connector design isn’t actually new.

It’s currently available on the market under a slew of different names from other firms, like Mitsumi’s ‘Ultra Mini Connector’ and Nikon’s ‘UC-E6’ cable.

According to ArsTechnica, the move stems from the requests of licensees in its MFi program, rather than Apple’s efforts to push a new connector.

And, while it could add another type of connection to the mix, it isn’t meant to be a complete replacement for the others.

It would be used as a headphone-side connector, both male and female, to provide a universal connection, Apple Insider reports. Interchangeable cables would allow for the accommodation of a host device, such as a Lightning (pictured), USB-C, or 3.5mm jack

Just days ago, it was revealed that Apple has patented a wearable battery charger to top up its Apple watches on the go.

The patent reveals a new look for Apple's latest watch model with a rounded face.

The patent, published by the US Patent and Trademark Office today, is listed as a 'charging apparatus for wearable electronic device.'

The wearable charger will likely use a magnetic charge point for easy snap on / snap off access.

Two different charger designs are described in the patent.

Apple has patented a wearable battery charger to top up its Apple Watches on the go. This image shows one of the two proposed designs, in which a battery module (labelled '805') sits underneath the chassis of the watch and then attaches to the band (labelled '806')

APPLE WATCH 2 SPECS

- S2 dual-core processor

- Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0

- Ion-X glass

- 2x brighter OLED Retina display with Force Touch (1000 nits)

- Heart rate sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope

- Ambient light sensor

- Up to 18 hours of battery life

- watchOS 3 software

One shows the charger embedded into the wristband of the watch.

The second depicts a separate module that sits underneath the chassis of the watch and then attaches to the band.

Apple has proposed the use of special 'heat-dissipating' circuitry to stop the battery module burning users.

The patent suggests that the wireless unit could be plugged in to recharge when not in use.

It remains unclear whether Apple will ever actually make the wearable charger.

But Apple seems to be investigating battery solutions that don't sacrifice the thinness of its new Series 2 design, which is already thicker than the Series 1.

Improving the battery life of the next Apple Watch is one of the main targets for Taiwanese company Quanta, who are responsible for manufacturing the watch, reports Macrumors.

The patent, published by the US Patent and Trademark Office today, is listed as a 'charging apparatus for wearable electronic device.' This image shows the second of the two proposed designs, in which the charger is embedded into the wristband of the Apple Watch

The Apple Watch 2 (pictured) will be preloaded with Apple's watchOS 3 software. Apple has proposed the use of special 'heat-dissipating' circuitry to stop the battery module burning users