Confusion Over Free Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter with iPhone 5 as Apple Errs in Online Store [Updated]

As noted by iPhoneinCanada.ca soon after pre-orders for the iPhone 5 went live earlier today, Apple's online store in several countries appeared to be noting that the company's Lightning to 30-pin Adapter would be included with customers' orders free of charge. The disclosure came in the form of an option to add an "additional" adapter as an accessory.

Your iPhone includes a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter for connecting 30-pin accessories to devices featuring the Lightning connector. Purchase this additional adapter to have a second adapter for your home or office.

lightning 30 pin included
Customers were only presented with the option to add the cable-equipped adapter and not the direct-plug adapter, and Apple's "What's in the box" documentation did not list the adapter as included, leading to considerable customer confusion.

After initially reporting on the inclusion of the free adapter, The Next Web followed up by asking Apple's online sales representatives about the issue. According to sales staff, the listing was an error in the Apple online store, and the adapter is not being included standard with iPhone orders. Apple has also removed listing from its store pages and no longer mentions the adapter's inclusion.

Apple's adapters are available for standalone purchase at $29 for the direct-plug version and $39 for the cable version, but they will not ship until next month.

Update 12:26 PM: Apple has issued a statement to The Loop confirming that the adapter is not included with the iPhone 5.

“The Lightning to 30-pin adapter does not come in the box with iPhone 5. It is sold separately,” Apple spokesperson, Natalie Harrison, told The Loop. “However, the Lightning to USB cable does come with iPhone 5 for connection to AC chargers and other devices.”

Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

Intarweb Avatar
167 months ago
One adapter should have been included in addition to the new cable.
Score: 57 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dwalls90 Avatar
167 months ago
If it was "in there by accident" then obviously Apple intended to provided a free adapter at some point.

Must have backtracked :mad:
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
167 months ago
Damnit Apple, a free adaptor would have scored you a lot of points.

Of course that doesn't matter, as we are all buying the stupid phone anyway!

We are such lousy consumers.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Celf Avatar
167 months ago
30 pounds is appr. 48 dollar....is appr. 10% of the price of an unlocked iPhone 4 .....
......FOR AN ADAPTER!!!!!!
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wickerman1893 Avatar
167 months ago
One adapter needs to be included. I understand this a shift every company usually takes, but $30 is quite pricey.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
emvath Avatar
167 months ago
Judas what a bunch of freakin cheapskates! I bet this thing costs Apple a penny for 5. I'm getting really sick of Apple nickle and dime'ing us for every little thing.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)