Patent #2: Dual orientation connector with side contacts
On June 20, 2011, just a few weeks after they filed the first patent, Apple filed a patent called Dual orientation connector with side contacts. I’ve highlighted a few sections of the patent abstract that I feel are very interesting:
The present disclosure relates generally to connectors such as audio connectors and in particular to a dual orientation audio connector with side audio contacts that can be used in place of standard audio connectors. The connector has an intuitive insertion orientation and a smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted from its corresponding receptacle connector. A corresponding connector jack may be configured to receive the dual orientation audio connector.
Intuitive insertion orientation? Smooth, consistent feel when inserted and extracted? Whoa, Apple – let’s keep it clean!
In the patent, Apple shows the current iPhone headphone jack alongside a micro-USB headphone jack version that was developed by other companies to demonstrate their shortcomings:
Apple includes several drawings of the new headphone connector:
The patent shows a connector with reversible left / right audio channels and connections for a microphone and ground:
Apple also demonstrates what the headphone jack might look like on an iPhone or other device:
Any way you slice it, this connector looks and feels a lot more “Apple” than patent #1. It looks like the natural companion to the Lightning cable. I’m betting on this design for the next iPhone headphone jack.
On the next page, we’ll talk about when Apple will decide to ditch the headphone jack entirely, how you’ll be able to use your current headphones with the iPhone 7, and I’ll share my predictions for what the headphone jack will look like on the next iPhone.
