Apple’s New Dock Connector Codenamed ‘Lightning?’ New ‘Earpods’, IPod Touch Accessories And New IPod Shuffles As Well?

With Apple’s reveal of a new 9-pin dock connector as good as a sure thing today, it was only a matter of time before someone leaked the internal codename.

Prepare yourselves for something a little silly as the new 9-pin connector is codenamed “Lightning,” a name which is believed to extend to the company’s marketing as well.

It might sound a little silly for what basically amounts to a charging cord, but given the “Thunderbolt” connector on the Mac, the use of “Lightning” begins to have a little more context.

In fact, we’re hopeful that the name “Lightning” may indicate that Apple’s newest transfer cable will allow for faster sync speeds via a computer than the current 30-pin connector. Word has it these cords will sell for around $20, though earlier reports indicated the possibility of a $10 price tag.

Apple is also expected to show off newly redesigned earbuds, codenamed “Earpods” and will retail for the same price as the current set of Apple headphones: $29 in the US. Reports expect sound to be improved as well as a better fit within the ear.

This is one bit of news I’m thrilled to hear as I’ve been content with Apple’s included headphones for some time, but they do have a tendency to fall out quite easily when moving around.

According to 9to5mac and a “high-profile retailer source,” the new iPod shuffle will keep it’s current 2GB capacity, though it will add a new lineup of colors. The “new” iPod shuffle will release in Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple, Silver, Slate and Red.

Not to be forgotten, the 4th-generation iPod touch will also stick around, but gain double the capacity from 8GB to 16GB and a new “Loop” accessory available in multiple colors. The new Loop accessory will be available in multiple color combinations including white+black, white+red, white+pink, white+yellow, and white+blue and retail for $10.

Apple is expected to announce all of the above and more later this afternoon and we’ll be covering all of it live!

9to5Mac

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