Apple's "Lightning" Connector Causes Slight Controversy

Sure, this is easy to use, but you know what's even easier? Not having to buy all new cords and adapters.

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n a world where we not only anticipate but celebrate planned obsolescence, especially in the case of Apple and its much-hyped announcements of new products, it's not surprising that even with a design change that most people don't like, sales numbers won't suffer. It makes us wonder—how far can Apple (or any company, really, but Apple's fans seem to be the most rabid) take things before people throw their hands up, say, "Enough is enough!" and find a new brand?

The sad part for us (and the good part for Apple) is that they can take it as far as they want, and we'll still buy from them. They could probably introduce a phone next week with a smaller screen and less memory than what is currently available, but knock $50 off the price and people would buy it in droves.

An adapter cable for the new connector will cost you around $40.

Of course, if you want your current accessories to keep working when you inevitably buy the new iPhone, you'll have to purchase an adapter, which will run you $30, or a cable, which is $40.

But another thing to consider aside from simply purchasing a new cable or adapter is why Apple felt the need to change everything. It not only deems your simple accessories obsolete, but also larger systems like those in cars and other vehicle technology. It's frustrating that for a few bucks, Apple is totally okay with messing with the design that we've all been using for years. It makes dock-based chargers and accessories completely useless, too, as throwing an adapter into that setup would likely boost the phone or iPod too high off the dock, which would put strain on the connection points.

It's disappointing that companies like Apple will so quickly turn their backs on loyal customers—and even if that sounds a bit dramatic, it's exactly what they're doing with this new design. For years, people have purchased iPhones, iPods, and iPads, and along with them plenty of compatible accessories, but Apple doesn't really care about that—they just want to make as much money as they can, customer convenience be damned.