Apple is currently looking for a new "connector design engineer" to work at its Cupertino headquarters. Why does anyone care? The job postings lend credence to recent rumors that the next iPhone may include a revised, smaller connector to replace the ubiquitous 30-pin dock connector which first made its debut on the third-generation iPod in 2003.
The dock connector has been included on every Apple mobile device since that time, including iPods, iPhones, and iPads. The 30-pin connector originally made it possible to connect iPods to both FireWire-based Macs and USB-based Windows PCs. It can supply a small amount of power to attached accessories, as well as output digital audio and video data. It also facilitates two-way communication between attached accessories like speaker docks, data interfaces, and more.
However, recent part leaks have suggested that the next-generation iPhone, commonly referred to as "iPhone 5," will include a much smaller connector standard. The change is said to save precious internal space inside the device, though it risks making a whole cottage industry of "Made for iPhone/iPod" accessories obsolete overnight.
Despite this, Apple is looking for an engineer who would be responsible for "adaptation of existing connectors or complete new designs." This person would also be expected to manage "multiple connector designs and developments in support of the iPod product lines." The job description doesn't directly relate to the iPhone, but any change in the dock connector would most likely be applied across all of Apple's mobile products, including the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
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