With the release of the latest generation of Apple products, there have been some major changes that are likely to affect the future of iPod docks. iPod docks are among the fastest growing audio accessory product. However, the newest generation of the iPhone (the iPhone 5) and iPod, the docking connector which is an essential interface between the iPhone and the outside world has been drastically changed. As such the newest iPods no longer plug into existing docks. Also, the signals of the docking connector themselves have been drastically altered. The previous ipod docking port would output line-level audio signals which are used by most iPod docks to play audio to a set of speakers. However, the newest dock has all-digital signals. This means that iPod docks no longer can access the audio directly.
Another fact threatening the future of iPod docks is the fact that iPods now offer wireless protocols such as Airplay, Bluetooth and WiFi. There are several apps available that are designed to stream music via these wireless protocols. Also, there are more and more Bluetooth and Airplay speakers appearing on the market. These speakers do not require the iPod to be connected via a cradle and instead get their signal wirelessly. So is the iPod dock dead?
Apple recently has introduced an adapter that can be plugged into the cradle of iPod docks and has a plug that can connect to a 5th generation iPhone and iPod. This adapter is key for allowing owners of the new iPhone to use an iPod dock. In addition to streaming audio, most docks also charge the iPod. The charge rate of most docks is higher than the charge rate of a USB cable. Also, a dock offers less cable clutter and looks nicer. As such iPod docks most likely will be around for a while. Manufacturers will most likely start offering docks that are compatible with the new generation of Apple products.
