Apple today started selling a new Lightning connector dock compatible with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch. The dock retails for $39 on the Apple Online Store in the United States, with an estimated shipping date of 1-3 business days as of publication time. The dock is also available in other countries, although prices vary depending on the local currency.
The long-anticipated Lightning dock arrives nearly three years after the Lightning connector made its debut on the iPhone 5 in September 2012, and succeeds the original 30-pin dock that Apple previously sold. Of course, given that Apple's official Lightning dock is long overdue, a number of accessory makers have already released third-party docks over the past several months and years.
The new Lightning dock has a smaller form factor that no longer cradles the device, making it compatible with both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and likely other iOS devices with Lightning connectors in the future. The dock also features a 3.5mm headphone port on the rear for audio out, enabling music and podcasts from an iPhone to be played on powered speakers and stereo systems.
