Official Lightning Connector Support Lacking, Inspires Workarounds and DIY Mods - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Official Lightning Connector Support Lacking, Inspires Workarounds and DIY Mods

by

Though Apple allowed some select hardware partners to work on Lightning connector-compatible hardware accessories, most of those are not yet for sale. However, that's not to stop some enterprising users from making do with what they have.

NewImage
The Next Web has instructions on how to modify the Elevation Dock -- a popular Kickstarter project -- to fit the iPhone 5. The site says the modification, while not perfect, is "fairly straightforward" and takes about 25 minutes to complete.

The team behind the Elevation Dock is planning to ship a bolt-in swappable mount that will support the new cord in the next several months.

Also available is the $30 dockBoss+ iPhone 5 Kit. While rather clunky, the cable allows users to listen and charge the iPhone 5 or new iPod Touch through any 30-pin connector docking station.

Readers noticing other interesting accessories or docks for the iPhone 5 and the Lightning connector should send a note to tips@macrumors.com.

Top Rated Comments

ovrlrd Avatar
176 months ago
I have still not read a single valid reason why Apple is not selling a dock themselves.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kas23 Avatar
176 months ago
This is the Thunderbolt port all over again. It has been almost 2 years and we still don't have many TB devices.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
176 months ago
I have still not read a single valid reason why Apple is not selling a dock themselves.

I guess it would'nt look too good selling an accessorie, they know will be damaging the phones painting when used... :/
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MH01 Avatar
176 months ago
I still have yet to see ONE valid reason why humans shouldn't be able to fly. Forget all those technical reasons and rationale, we've heard it. Just tell me one good reason why I cannot fly? Birds fly. I should fly.

ONE good reason! I DARE YOU!

Most of us are fat
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
176 months ago
Flying Nerds

I have still not read a single valid reason why Apple is not selling a dock themselves.

I still have yet to see ONE valid reason why humans shouldn't be able to fly. Forget all those technical reasons and rationale, we've heard it. Just tell me one good reason why I cannot fly? Birds fly. I should fly.

ONE good reason! I DARE YOU!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
APlotdevice Avatar
176 months ago
I want to know why Apple doesn't have a version of this new connector with a Thunderbolt connector at the other end instead of USB...
That would be beyond overkill for starters. As people have pointed out, the memory in current iDevices isn't even fast enough to exceed USB 2.0 speeds. The only advantage I could see to using TB is that it can supply 10W of power natively.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...