While Apple is developing a new connector "UAC", it seems that the iPhone's Lightning terminal never replaces

ByMagnus Jonasson

It was reported that Apple is developing a new small connector standard, but it seems that it will not become a new terminal of the iPhone.

Apple plans new smaller Ultra Accessory Connector (UAC) for Made-for-iPhone accessories | 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2017/02/06/apple-ultra-accessory-connector-uac-mfi-made-for-iphone-headphones/


Apple formalizes 8-pin 'Ultra Accessory Connector' for headphone interoperability
http://appleinsider.com/articles/17/02/06/apple-formalizes-8-pin-ultra-accessory-connector-for-headphone-interoperability


Apple's licensing program "Made for iPhone(MFi) ", to add a new connector called" Ultra Accessory Connector (UAC) ", Apple distributed UAC in" developer preview "for developers9to 5MacIt was reported by several overseas media such as.

This new connector "UAC" is an asymmetrical 8-pin connector. The thickness is 2.05 mm, the width is 4.85 mm, and the depth is said to be more compact than the USB-C and Lightning terminal (thickness 1.5 mm × width 6.73 mm × depth 7 mm), "Nikon's digital single lens reflex camera It is similar to the 8-pin connector that is mounted on the PC. "

UAC is considered to be a standard for connecting iPhone with accessories such as earphone instead of Lightning · USB - C terminal and 3.5 mm mini plug. This has the advantage that UAC is very compact so that the connector part can be downsized.


However, it is reported by overseas media such as The Verge and Ars Technica that the UAC considered as this new standard is the same as the 8 pin connector adopted in the Nikon digital single lens reflex camera.

Relax, Apple is not introducing another new connector - The Verge
http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/6/14524972/apple-ultra-accessory-connector-uac-made-for-iphone-headphones


Apple's "new" UAC port was not made by Apple, and it is not new | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/apple/2017/02/no-apple-isnt-developing-an-all-new-port-for-accessory-makers/


According to Ars Technica, UAC said that Mitsumi's "Ultra Mini Connector" and Nikon calls "UC-E 6", Apple's new name, and "Nikon's digital single-lens reflex camera It is very sharp that the inference that "It is similar to the 8-pin connector installed". According to a source close to Apple, Apple is not developing UAC as an intention to replace the Lightning terminal with a new one, it is intended to be adopted as a new earphone cable.

Currently, earphones and headphones that use the Lightning terminal do not have compatibility with devices with USB - C ports, and vice versa. However, by entering UAC in the meantime, it seems possible to use headphones that adopted the Lightning terminal on a terminal with a USB - C port, or use headphones that adopted the USB - C terminal with the iPhone.

Like the iPhone 7 that discontinued the earphone jack, "The abolition of earphone jacks is expected to gradually progress on Android terminals in the future, UAC will be a solution to the problem at that time," The Verge says.

In addition, headphone makers are planning to release UAC adopted products in the summer of 2017.