0 Apple�s 30-Pin Dock Connector Could be Getting a Huge Upgrade

A new and interesting patent reveals a very interesting possibility for future iDevices. Apple�s current proprietary connection technology has been in need of an update for a long time,
and technologies like MagSafe have been considered as a replacement.
The current 30-pin connector is present on all of Apple�s mobile devices. And, apparently, Apple is looking to upgrade the 30-pin architecture with multiple connection technologies�

Patently Apple reports,

�Apple has just won a patent for an all-new Hybrid DisplayPort/USB 3.0 high speed connector. This new and extremely slim connector will work on all iOS devices like the iPod and eventually work its way through Apple�s entire hardware lineup.
Accordingly, Apple�s invention and patent cover various embodiments that could deliver male plug connectors and female receptacle in a reduced size � in at least one direction. Some embodiments of the present invention provide support for one or more new high-speed communication standards such as USB 3.0 and DisplayPort � combined.�

Multiple connection technologies in only one physical connection. Not too bad, Apple. Not too bad.
The 30-pin connector has been present on all of Apple�s mobile devices, and consequently on all accessories, since the beginning. Instead of totally ditching the 30-pin infrastructure, Apple seems to be doing the smart thing by adding technologies and keeping the current architecture.
It would be foolish to totally leave behind the 30-pin connector because all of the accessories on the market would suddenly become obsolete. If this patent is indeed an indication of the future, we�ll start to see the current 30-pin connector be phased out as Apple adopts faster technologies.
It�s unclear as to how Thunderbolt will play into all this, but hopefully we�ll see that blazing fast technology on the iPhone soon.
What do you think about this news? Do you think the iPhone 5 will have a different (or enhanced) dock connection?

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