When Phil Schiller announced the new iPhone along with the 9-pin ‘Lightning‘ connector, I was relieved to see that Apple wouldn’t be leaving all the older 30-pin accessories out in the rain. Schiller announced that Apple will be releasing a special accessory designed to make the 80% smaller Lightning connector interface with 30-pin docks. The adapter is similar to concept renders we’ve previously featured.

Apple Announces 9-Pin Lighting Connector Accessory For iPhone 5

As rumored the Lightning dock connector will have the option for a 30-pin adapter. This model does not require connection to the 3.5mm jack. Photo credits to The Verge’s Liveblog of Apple’s keynote.

It will be interesting to see if Apple, or 3rd party manufacturers, create a reverse adapter to bring support for new accessories to ‘old’ iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Assuming Apple will still be selling iPhone 4S’ without the Lightning connector, there will be some confusion for dock manufacturers

All that said, Apple seems to be taking a more wireless approach with the iPhone 5. Before they introduced lightning, they mentioned technologies like Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay, and iCloud syncing which replaced many of the functions we relied on cables to support when the iPhone was first released.

No word yet on the price of the adapter, but I’m betting that it’s going to be cheaper than immediately replacing all the old audio docks.

What will you be using to stream music to your stereo? A cable or dock with a Lightning connector, your current setup with an adapter, or are you going wireless? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.