Older connector to be used by Apple to allow Lightning headphones to work with USB-C ports

by Alan Friedman / Feb 06, 2017, 8:46 PM

Older connector to be used by Apple to allow Lightning headphones to work with USB-C ports

According to reports published today, Apple will be offering new applications for an old plug, the Ultra Accessory Connector. This is the small 8-pinned plug that you might find in the box with a Nikon camera. And don't freak out; Apple is not looking to replace the Lightning port just yet. Instead, the tech giant is using its MFi (Made for iPhone) program to set specs and hardware requirements for UAC cables that would be sold to the public. These would include Lightning to UAC, USB-A to UAC, and 3.5mm headset jacks to UAC cables.

The UAC will be used as a go-between (along with the use of a dongle) allowing Lighting headphones to work with a USB Type-C port and vice versa. The connector will allow the headphone to instantly adjust so that it can figure out if it is receiving audio from a USB-C port or a Lightning port; thanks to the use of the UAC, the headphone will be able to make necessary adjustments and work with either one.

Of course, this whole mess could be greatly alleviated if Apple were to replace the Lightning port on its devices with a Type-C USB port. But that would take control over the charging port on the iPhone and iPad out of Apple's hands. Still, the company did switch to the USB-C ports with the 2016 MacBook Pro.

So far, there is no word on when any of these new products will be released. One headphone manufacturer is said to be ready to launch UAC products during the summer. While there could be other uses for the UAC, it looks like the connector will be focused on allowing headsets with one type of plug, to be used on devices that have a different type of port. With the 3.5mm earphone jack disappearing, there is a real need for these products. Families and individuals that employ both iOS and Android handsets will be able to use a UAC connector in order to share headphones.

source: TheVerge

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19 Comments

1. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

While the rest of the industry moves forward in earnest, Apple has to do these sorts of gymnastics to keep their dated proprietary crap functional. When will they actually do their users a favor and drop the proprietary garbage?

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 9:12 PM 20

3. Unordinary unregistered

Love my USBC ports on my Macbook :D

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 9:55 PM 2

4. Arch_Fiend

Posts: 3951; Member since: Oct 03, 2015

That's a good point at why Apple should switch all of their devices to usbc because of their products the macbook already has one.

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 10:15 PM 7

5. Tyrion_Lannister unregistered

USB C is great since it's universal. However, lightning is not. It's proprietary and Apple charges exorbitant amount of money for it. Not to mention the functionality and versatility it lacks compared to USB C port. I see no reason to stick to lightning for iPhone apart for profit and sticking it to their loyal customers.

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 10:20 PM 10

6. vandroid

Posts: 405; Member since: Sep 04, 2012

id rather have USB C than lightning. Just about all high end android flagships have fast charging, meanwhile iPhones don't. It's sad that apple is always behind in the program. Especially since removing the headphone jack for greed. They claim courage but let's be honest that's total bulls**t. They just wanted to hit big with the new w1 chip.

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 10:28 PM 10

7. kiko007

Posts: 7493; Member since: Feb 17, 2016

The f**k are you talking about? What did that have to do with anything?

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 10:49 PM 0

13. Unordinary unregistered

Didn't know USBC on the MacBook is "dated and proprietary". Unf%#k your brain

posted on Feb 07, 2017, 3:32 AM 1

14. submar

Posts: 713; Member since: Sep 19, 2014

Without the jack, 3rd party manufacturers have to pay royalties to greedy Apple to make wired headphones with lightning and will cause more innocent "people" to buy airpods. I don't mind if someone call me captain obvious.

posted on Feb 07, 2017, 5:51 AM 2

18. SmartPhoneMobiles

Posts: 176; Member since: Oct 16, 2016

The reason why they don't switch to type c.. On their smartphone is bcos of money.. Ppl wud buy or use any usb type c cheap chargers android ones.. And expensive apple ones wud be covered by dust in their stores..

posted on Feb 08, 2017, 4:36 AM 0

19. whatev

Posts: 2193; Member since: Oct 28, 2015

Are you an Apple user sweetie?... no? Then why are you complaining about something you don't have and never will? It's like I were complaining about the brexit or trump and I don't live in those countries. Typical Fandroid troll logic SMH. Go complain about what matters to you like exploding phones, laggy and slow performance, poor optimization and extremely delayed firmware updates

posted on Feb 08, 2017, 6:26 AM 0

2. Foxgabanna

Posts: 587; Member since: Sep 11, 2016

Until they stop putting up spectacular numbers that are coming from the consumers wallet, id say never. Why change what the public has no problem buying? Besides they make a great product and when you need something they have a solution.

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 9:25 PM 3

9. Finalflash

Yea, they make the solution and the problem. Great way to make money from fools.

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 11:14 PM 9

8. lyndon420

Posts: 6714; Member since: Jul 11, 2012

If it ain't simple, it must be apple ;)

posted on Feb 06, 2017, 11:03 PM 5

10. airoid

Posts: 126; Member since: Dec 13, 2016

They stick to proprietary lighting port because average Joe think its fast like lightning bolt haha typical Apple gimmicky name

posted on Feb 07, 2017, 12:38 AM 1

11. peace247 unregistered

iPhone 10 will come with usb c and all Apple users will go crazy and it will be the best selling iphone ever

posted on Feb 07, 2017, 1:34 AM 0

12. SIGPRO

Posts: 2815; Member since: Oct 03, 2012

From 2017 it will be mandatory to have a USB standard on phones. This is decided by the European Union to have 1 standard! I remember from years ago every phone had a different type of charger which was really crap. So apple needs to implement a usb standard but they chose to create an extra dongle/cable........apple the dongle company.....they earn millions with the dongles and cables. But poor ifans will keep buying them because they are best cables in the world.........feel sorry for those sheep.....you are getting ripped by apple!

posted on Feb 07, 2017, 1:59 AM 2

15. civicsr2cool

Posts: 264; Member since: Oct 19, 2016

I don't understand how they can even rationalize it. I have looked at apples accessory page and those prices are f**king ridiculous!

posted on Feb 07, 2017, 6:04 AM 0

17. VZWuser76

Posts: 4974; Member since: Mar 04, 2010

The EU had a mandatory standard for microUSB on phones a few years back, when Apple was still using their 30 pin dock connector. Rather than change to microUSB they just paid fines for non-compliance, I'm sure this will be no different.