Despite achieving remarkable sales figures and garnering praise for its swift performance and expansive display, Apple’s latest smartphone is creating challenges—not only due to issues related to a significant mapping problem. The main concern lies with the new “Lightning” connector, which has rendered countless existing accessories obsolete, impacting both consumers and accessory designers.
Apple’s former 30-pin connector serviced over 400 million devices since 2003, fostering a substantial accessory market valued at $20 billion annually. This connector enabled inventors to transform iOS devices into a myriad of products, ranging from guitar effect pedals to FDA-approved medical devices.
For context, the entire music industry generates about $6 billion in revenue each year, and the device initially designed for music playback has sparked an industry three times larger than its original purpose.
Although the Lightning connector received little attention during the iPhone 5 launch event, it has compelled independent design firms funded by personal investors and crowdfunding platforms to frantically seek modifications. We contacted several of these creators to understand how they are adapting to the new specifications.
One notable project is the ChargeCard, a compact power connector aimed at iPhone users. Creator Noah Dentzel shared that the transition to the new connector design has significantly affected not only his product but also his funding efforts.
“The rumors about the new connector, which emerged just weeks before we intended to launch our Kickstarter campaign, definitely hindered our sales,” Dentzel expressed. “Many potential backers loved ChargeCard but were waiting for the new iPhone model.” This demographic of early adopters often aligns with those eager to fund such initiatives and are the first to acquire new gadgets.