X

Lightning Cable connects old accessories to Apple's newest port

The new supersmall Lightning Dock Connector on the iPhone 5 and 2012 iPods is going to need one of these.

Headshot of Joshua Goldman
Headshot of Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Joshua Goldman
Watch this: Apple shows redesigned iPhone 5 connector

Editors' note: This story was updated to clarify what will be supported by the Lightning to 30-pin Connector Cable.

Out with the old, in with the new...and a new adapter so that the new can still work with the old.

It certainly wasn't a secret that the iPhone 5 was getting a new dock connector. The new Lightning connector is 80 percent smaller. Prior iPhones used an iPod 30-pin connector, which launched in 2003.

Apple's iPhone 5 event

Unfortunately, that means any accessories or cables you have that use the 30-pin connector won't fit. However, this 8-inch cable will bridge the gap, letting you connect the old connector to the new Lightning port.

According to Apple's site, the adapter cable will support analog audio output, USB audio, as well as syncing and charging. Video output is not supported, however, and not all 30-pin devices will be supported, either, so you may still need buy new accessories to use with the iPhone 5 and 2012 iPods.

The Apple Lightning to 30-pin Connector Cable will sell for $39. If you don't need the cable, you can pick up a $29 adapter to accomplish the same thing.

See all of CNET's Apple coverage.