At this point we’ve read plenty of news about the new iPhone’s dock connector. 13 pins? 9 pins? MagSafe? Who knows. The latest to emerge is that it could be completely orientation independent. According to AppleInsider’s source, not only could it connect to your iPhone using MagSafe inspired magnets, but also there’ll be no such thing as upside-down (again, much like a MacBook charger.)

The secret is in the number of gold pins and their position. The whole 8 vs. 9 pin argument is addressed. Essentially, there are 8 gold pins on each side of the connector, but, they’re not always connected. Depending on which way up you insert it, only one set of gold pins will connect to the corresponding contacts within the phone’s dock. The 9th pin is the dock connector itself. As usual, Apple is attempting to scrap the old and come up with something better. Just because every other company settles for general forms of USB, doesn’t mean Cupertino will. The source also notes that the new design can accommodate faster speeds than the current 30-pin dinosaur. Imagine plugging your phone in without having to make sure it’s the right way up. Sure, it’s not necessary, but it’s one of those little things that Apple’s is renowned for that will make digital life much simpler and easier.

Aside from potentially making crazy amounts of accessories obsolete (fingers crossed they release an adapter), the new dock connector is shaping up to be pretty cool. Thoughts?

Images and News via: Apple Insider