AppleInsider Staff
The high quality photos from repair site iResQ claim to be of the internal flex cables bound for Apple's sixth-generation iPhone and much-rumored 7-inch iPad.
Side-by-sie comparison of alleged "iPad mini" (left) and next-gen iPhone (right) flex cables. | Source: iResQ
Of note are the white and black dock connector and headphone jack surroundings, which give clues that Apple is planning on releasing both black and white versions of the smaller iPad on launch. The move isn't surprising given all of the company's iDevices are offered in at least those two colors.
Close-up of the next-gen iPhone's 9-pin dock connector, in white. | Source: iResQ
Clearly seen in one of the new high-resolution images is a white version of the next-generation iPhone's 9-pin dock connector. AppleInsider recently reported the 8 gold pins seen on the part will work in conjunction with the surrounding metal shell, which will also acts as a contact, bringing the total count of contacts up to nine. According to sources, the new layout will enhance data throughput while bringing down the size of the part by some 60 percent.
Also of interest is the headphone jack location, which now resides very close to the 9-pin connector on both flex cables, offering further evidence that Apple is revamping the plug's positioning to the bottom of the devices much like the iPod touch. Currently, the iPhone 4S and New iPad have headphone jacks located at the top of the unit.
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122 Comments
"iPad mini" part, but the headphone jack is no further away from the Dock Connector 2 than the iPhone's part is… Seems more like an iPod touch's part, but as there's less to jam in that case than the iPhone's, the parts can have more leeway.
I am still going to stand by my theory that the 7" device is going to be the new iPod Touch. Makes sense to me as it avoids all the controversy on how SJ said a 7" iPad did not make sense.
"iPad mini" part, but the headphone jack is no further away from the Dock Connector 2 than the iPhone's part is… Seems more like an iPod touch's part, but as there's less to jam in that case than the iPhone's, the parts can have more leeway.
When I saw the pictures I thought the same thing, this is no "smaller iPad" part.
I saw a drawing somewhere of a dock that used both the new connector and the headphone jack to support the device. If that was the case, the headphone jack would be the same distance from the new dock connector on each device, surely? Of course, the drawing was pure speculation but it's an idea to consider.
I saw a drawing somewhere of a dock that used both the new connector and the headphone jack to support the device. If that was the case, the headphone jack would be the same distance from the new dock connector on each device, surely?
Of course, the drawing was pure speculation but it's an idea to consider.
I agree. All devices will use the same dock connector / headphone jack combo. Analog audio will go out via the headphone jack - the new 18 pin connector won't support that anymore.
Although that makes me wonder if the connector is really reversible, as folks have been asserting. It would seem to be keyed, due to the placement of the headphone jack. That would be interesting, since 18 pins opens up a lot of connectivity options. Thunderbolt?