Apple's New iOS Device Marketing: 'Lightning' Dock Connector, 'Earpod' Headphones, 'Loop' Accessory

9to5Mac shares some new details about Apple's updates planned for today, outlining some of the marketing terms the company appears to be using for aspects of its new devices. Among the details:

First, Apple is said to have been referring to its new dock connector as "Lightning" internally, and that branding is now said to be the public name for the feature as well. The term is suggestive of speed, and it seems possible that the cables may allow for faster data transfer than existing hardware. Apple is also said to be introducing several variations of the adapter for using new devices with cables and accessories bearing the old dock connector standard, including a direct clip-on adapter and one with a short cable.

newheadphones2
The second item relates to new headphones that appeared earlier this month in a leaked video, and today's report indicates that they will carry an "Earpod" name. On a standalone basis, they will be available at the same $29 price seen on the current headphones.

Finally, Apple is said to be launching a new "Loop" accessory for the iPod touch. While the function of the accessory appears to be unknown, it will retail for approximately $10 and be available in several difference color combinations.

The report also reiterates claims that Apple will be keeping its existing iPod touch available as a low-end model, but notes that the capacity will rise to 16 GB. And as for the iPod shuffle, which will maintain its current 2 GB capacity, the eight color options have now been identified: pink, yellow, blue, green, purple, silver, slate, and red.

Tag: 9to5Mac
Related Forum: iPod touch and iPod

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
M3 iPad Air

Apple's Next Two Products Are Coming Soon

Thursday February 12, 2026 11:17 am PST by
Apple plans to release an iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with an M4 chip "in the coming weeks," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple retail employees say that inventory of the iPhone 16e has basically dried out and the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well," said Gurman. "I've been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks."...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Gurman: iPhone 18 Pro Could Be Underwhelming

Monday February 16, 2026 4:24 am PST by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models "won't be a big update," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the iPhone 18 Pro models will "represent minor tweaks from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max." He compared the upgrade to Apple's past practice of appending the letter "S" to its more minor...
Coffee Burgundy and Purple iPhone 18 Pro Mock

Five iPhone 18 Pro Features Revealed in New Report

Friday February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still seven months away, an analyst has revealed five new features the devices will allegedly have. Rumored color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models In a research note with investment firm GF Securities on Thursday, analyst Jeff Pu outlined the following upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro models: Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...

Top Rated Comments

N10248 Avatar
175 months ago
Thunderbolt AND Lightning, all sounds very frightening!
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jasonxneo Avatar
175 months ago
Are thoese headphones made for a human ear? :confused:
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
175 months ago
Thunderbolt AND Lightning, all sounds very frightening!

very very frightening me,

Gallileo, Gallileo,
Gallileo, Gallileo,
Gallileo Figaro - magnificooooooo
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CristobalHuet Avatar
175 months ago
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Belly-laughs Avatar
175 months ago
omg!

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
175 months ago
Are thoese headphones made for a human ear? :confused:

They can't possibly be any worse than the current earbuds.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)