Apple Promises iPhone 5-Compatible HDMI and VGA Cables Coming Soon

There has been some consternation over the lack of backwards compatibility with the new Lightning dock connector in the iPhone 5. The Lightning to 30-pin adapter doesn't pass any video and may not work with all audio docks.

One MacRumors reader expressed particular concern over the lack of video support, noting that many in-car aftermarket entertainment systems use the video out function of the 30-pin connector to display and control apps from head units. It seems, however, that Apple does have at least a partial solution.

Lightningadapter
As The Verge reports, Apple is building Lightning to HDMI and Lightning to VGA adapters and quotes an Apple spokesperson as saying they "will be available in the coming months." Without these adapters, iPhone 5 owners' only option to output video from the device would be AirPlay.

The Verge doesn't reveal pricing, but the Apple Digital AV Adapter -- the 30-pin to HDMI adapter for the iPad and iPhone 4S -- is $39 direct from Apple.

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Top Rated Comments

OrangeSVTguy Avatar
171 months ago
Apple should provide 30pin to Lightning adapters for free with each new iDevice
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applesith Avatar
171 months ago
Why not have all adapters and cables ready for launch?
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bigjnyc Avatar
171 months ago
At the rate they're going these adapters are going to cost $99
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
faroZ06 Avatar
171 months ago
Watch as 3rd-party adaptors come out that cost $5. Apple really needs to decrease the prices on these or make some of them come free with the iPod.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
realeric Avatar
171 months ago
Lighting to 30 pin adapter should be $3, not $30. :mad:
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dwalls90 Avatar
171 months ago
This launch seems way too unplanned and rushed.

To be honest, I DO NOT think Steve would have allowed this kind of disorganization:

- New interface LACKING functionality which will be "coming soon".
- Lack of Apple case/bumper, at launch at least.
- Lack of adapter available at launch.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)