Apple recently launched their new Lightning connector for with their latest iOS products like the iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPod Touch (5th generation), which is the first time they changed the dock connector in 9 years. Before, it used to be the universal 30-pin connector, but now that new products will feature Lightning, many users will have to get new docks, cables and adapters to charge their new Apple products. Here’s a rundown of what’s available on the market right now. But expect other third-party manufacturers to come out with loads of more Lightning compatible products.
Docks
21. ElevationLab Elevation Dock
The recently modded to accommodate a Lightning cable, the popular solid aluminum Elevation Dock is now available for the iPhone 5 and comes in a variety of polished and matte finishes. Prices go from $89 to $109 depending on the finish you want.
20. iPhone5mod Flash Lightning Dock and Dock Pro
The third-party manufacturer has its iPhone 5 Flash Lightning Dock for $40 with the cable (half that without) and its iPhone Dock Pro that comes with a Lightning or Micro USB port and work pretty good considering the low price.
19. Braeburn Acoustics iPhone 5 Dock
For $24.95, you can get the Braeburn Acoustics iPhone 5 Dock in a variety of finished and it includes a a built-in acoustic amplifier that provides an 8dB boost without using power. It also is designed to work with any case and includes a 1/4-20 threaded fitting for mounting to tripods. Family packs of three to five docks go for $69.95 or $99.95, respectively.
18. The Lightning Dock
With a couple of finishes sold out (like the hardwood and brushed ones, the The Lightning Dock is actually still shipping their aluminum bead and black aluminum bead finishes of its streamlined aluminum dock for $34.95 without a cable. The others should be restocked soon after the rush for iPhone 5 users subsides.
17. Belkin Charge + Sync Dock with Audio Port for iPhone 5
The Belkin Charge + Sync Dock with Audio Port for iPhone 5 for $29.99 allows your to charge and sync your iPhone 5 or iPod Touch (5th generation) with the compact and stylish Belkin Charge and Sync Dock. If you want to listen to music while your iPhone is docked, just connect headphones to the audio port on the back, or connect to your stereo system with an AUX cable, then the Audio jack folds down back into the base if you just want to Charge and Sync.
16. Philips Speaker Docks with Lightning Connector
Philips released a number of new docs that feature a Lightning Connector, such as their bedroom DS1155, Room-to-Room DS3205, Portable DS7580 and a high-end Lifestyle Music System DMC2067. These Lightning-equipped iDevice companions will be available this month starting at $90 for the DS1155 and $130 each for both DS3205 and DS7580, while the more powerful DMC2067 is yet to receive a price tag of its own.
15. JBL OnBeat Lightning Venue iPhone 5 Speaker Dock
JBL was actually the first company to boast a lightning speaker dock for the iPhone 5, with the flagship model being the OnBeat Lightning Venue. The speaker system features a tray that slides out and displays the Lightning dock so you can charge and playback music from your iPad Mini, iPhone 5, 7th generation iPod Nano and 5th generation iPod Touch, with four speakers inside. Now available at retailers for $199.99.
14. Bose SoundDock Series III Lightning Compatible
Bose’s SoundDock Series III has a Lightning dock that replaces the now old generation 30-pin connector, and keeps features from Series II. It has the same remote control size, proprietary acoustic design and “a unique combo of small size and proven performance.” It retails for $250.
Charging Cables
13. iLuv EnergySeal Micro-Car Charger with Lightning Connector
The iLuv EnergySeal Micro-Car Charger with Lightning Connector retails for $44.99 and is a car charger for your Lightning-connector-equipped iPhone, iPad, or iPod. They also have their Premium Coiled Charge/Sync Cable for $30.
12. iPhone5Mod Retractable Lightning to USB Cable
$10 gets you the iPhone5Mod Lightning to USB Cable which isn’t bad for the price!
11. Ionic USB Car Charger/Home Charger with Lightning USB Cable
For only $34.95, you get a bundle that includes a USB wall charge and car charger with the Lightning cable from Ionic (the car charger by itself sells for $24.95).
10. Belkin Car Charger with Lightning Connector for iPhone 5
The Belkin Car Charger with Lightning Connector for iPhone 5 sells for $29.99 and is small but powerful. You get unlimited play and standby time with the low-profile design that sits flush in your dash. It’s reversible, which makes plugging it in easier than ever.
9. Belkin Car Charger + Lightning Charge Sync Cable for iPhone 5
For $39.99, the Belkin Car Charger + Lightning ChargeSync Cable for iPhone 5 with the included 4-foot Lightning to USB cable can charge your iPhone 5, iPad with Retina Display (4th generation), or iPad mini at the fastest possible speed. The smaller, more durable Lightning connector is also reversible, which makes plugging it in easier than ever. Yet the USB Port is universal, so you can still charge your legacy Apple devices with a 30-pin cable or other devices that use a Micro-USB cable. And the included 4-foot Lightning to USB cable can be used anywhere—plug it into your laptop to charge and sync, or use your own wall charger to charge from the wall.
8. Scosche iPhone 5 Lightning Accessories
Five new iPhone 5 compatible devices have been announced by Scosche that are all geared at charging the phone with Lightning compatibility. They are all capable of juicing up your iOS device and all deliver up to 12W of power. There’s the strikeDRIVE car chargers: strikeDRIVE 12w for $29.99 and the strikeDRIVE 12W+12W for $39.99 and the strikeDRIVE 12W Pro 12W+12W for $49.99. For home there’s the wall plug-ins: strikeBASE 12W for $34.99 and the strikeBASE Pro 12w+12w for $49.99. Finally, there’s the strikeLINE Pro, which features the same microUSB to Lightning plug, and a retractable cord that extends up to 3-feet.
7. Griffin Lightning Connector Cables
Griffin’s new made for iPhone-certified charge/sync cables for your new iPhone, iPod touch or iPad are now available in these popular configurations. There are a variety of connector cables including: 2′ straight USB-to-Lightning cable for charging on the road; 3′ straight USB-to-Lightning cable; 4′ coiled USB-to-Lightning cable for charging in your car; and 9.8′ (3 meter) straight USB-to-Lightning cable that’s great for home, dorm or office use. You can choose from coiled or straight options and price starts at $16.99 and goes up to $18.99.
6. Apple Lightning to USB Cable
Apple’s Lightning to USB Cable connects your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to your computer’s USB port for syncing and charging or to the Apple USB Power Adapter for convenient charging from a wall outlet for $19.
Adapters
5. Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
The Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter retails for $29 and lets you connect devices with a Lightning connector to many of your 30-pin accessories.
4. Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter
Use the Lightning Digital AV Adapter with your iPad with Retina display, iPad mini, iPhone 5, and iPod touch (5th generation) with Lightning connector, which supports mirroring of what is displayed on your device screen — including apps, presentations, websites, slide shows, and more — to your HDMI-equipped TV, display, projector, or other compatible display in up to 1080p HD. The Adapter is $49 at the Apple store.
3. Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader
The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader allows for easy use when downloading photos and videos from your digital camera to your iPad or iPad mini so you can view them on the gorgeous iPad display and share them with family and friends. It’s sold for $29 at the Apple store. After you insert the SD card into the reader, your iPad automatically opens the Photos app, which lets you choose which photos and videos to import, then organizes them into albums.
2. Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
With the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, it’s easy to download photos and videos from your digital camera to your iPad with Retina display or iPad mini. It’s at the Apple store for $29.
1. Apple Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
You can use the this adapter to connect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to a micro USB cable to sync and charge, or to a compatible micro USB charger to charge your device and it’s only $19 at the Apple store.