Apparently a couple new jobs have been listed on Apple’s website that confirm rumors of Apple looking to redesign the standard 30-pin dock connector…
We’ve been hearing many rumors on Apple’s decision to swap out the original 30-pin dock connector with something a bit smaller and less intrusive on space. We’ve even seen “leaked” photos of an iPhone backplate showing this implemented idea. But never until now have we had confirmation from Apple.
The job positions listed for a “Connector Design Engineer” and a “Product Design Eng — Connector” require the skill to adapt new designs or implement current ones into future devices.
The Connector Design Engineer will be responsible for managing multiple connector designs and developments in support of the iPod product lines. Cross-functional development and consulting will be a major part of your daily work. As a Lead Engineer you be responsible for identifying appropriate connection technology requirements for new products and follow through with selection and development of suitable interconnect products. This will often involve adaptation of existing connectors or complete new designs. Interfacing with connector suppliers to direct and implement the necessary design changes or creation of completely new designs will also be a major part of your daily work.
The 30-pin dock connector has been the most consistent piece of Apple’s products over time, so it’s surprising they’d just up and change it. But honestly the 30-pin connector is a little bulky, and definitely consumes more space within a device then is actually necessary.
Some say this would cause major fragmentation across present and future designs. I have to admit, I love being able to use the same cable to charge and sync 3 different devices.
If anything, this certainly insists that Apple is looking to make a change in their next or possibly future iPod line.
What do you think about the 30-pin connector?
The Connector Design Engineer will be responsible for managing multiple connector designs and developments in support of the iPod product lines. Cross-functional development and consulting will be a major part of your daily work. As a Lead Engineer you be responsible for identifying appropriate connection technology requirements for new products and follow through with selection and development of suitable interconnect products. This will often involve adaptation of existing connectors or complete new designs. Interfacing with connector suppliers to direct and implement the necessary design changes or creation of completely new designs will also be a major part of your daily work.
