Lightning

Judging from a recently awarded patent, Apple may have its sights set on a flexible version of the Lightning dock. Titled "Dock connector with compliance mechanism", the patent features a docking station for iOS devices that would allow the unit to pivot when plugged in.

Think of it as MagSafe for the Lightning dock. Not only would pushing on a connected device simply roll, slide or pivot the mechanism to avoid damage, but the dock could be configured to return the connector to an upright position. Current dock-based Lightning connectors aren't known for their flexibility. Much like the previous 30-pin connector, male Lightning connectors are generally in a fixed position.

Rumors are flying that Apple plans to release a Lighting cable with a fully reversible USB plug connector alongside the iPhone 6. This would bring the convenience factor of dual orientation connectors to both ends of the Lightning cable, saving users plenty of time in the process. After all, when left to chance, current USB plugs are turned the wrong way 50 percent of the time.

This frustration becomes a thing of the past with a simple design change. Instead of using a thick plastic core that fills half of the USB plug, connection pins are provided on both sides of a thin center plate. With this redesigned USB cable, the probability of getting it right every time is 100 percent. What is possibly the most incredible fact about this redesign is how long it took for a manufacturer to bring the concept to market.

The iPhone 6 and next-generation iPad will ship with a new Lightning cable that features a reversible USB, according to leaked images published by uSwitch Tech and Sonny Dickson. The first image shows alleged retail boxes for Apple's rumored revamped Lightning cable. The second image is a closer view of the reversible USB posted to Twitter by Dickson. The new USB connector would put an end to one of the most frustrating problems known to man by allowing the cable to be inserted into a USB port no matter what side is facing up.

The USB Promoter Group in December announced a fully reversible Type-C USB cable was in the works, but this cable will not support current Apple products. However, Apple has been working on its own "dual orientation USB plug connector," according to a patent filed in 2013 (via 9to5Mac). The patent says that the USB would be able to mate with "standard USB receptacle connectors, e.g., a standard Type A USB receptacle connector." This means it will support current Apple computers and accessories, unlike the Type-C USB.

The market for third-party iPhone 5 accessories continues to grow, and Lightning-compatible options are no exception. We've already seen an illuminated iPhone 5 Lightning cable as well as some less expensive versions of the standard Lightning to USB cable. Now you can purchase an iPhone 5 dock stand just in time for the holidays.

USB Fever has two different options for those looking to conveniently dock their iPhone 5. The first model is the Charging & Sync Dock Cradle for iPhone 5. This basic version is pictured above and accepts your Lightning to USB cable in the rear port. Available in black or white, the price with no cables included is $15.99 plus shipping.

Looking for more Lightning to USB options for your iPhone 5? Griffin has announced it will be the first to hit the market with official third-party Lightning cables for Apple devices. All of the options are designed to prevent tangles and kinks in the cord.

All of Griffin's cables will be fully compatible with the iPhone 5, iPad mini, 4th generation iPad, iPod touch 5G and iPod nano 7G. The products were announced in a press release and will be available starting the first week of December.