Users report some Lightning connectors get stuck in USB ports
A number of iPhone 5 users have found the design of Apple's new Lightning connector allows the unit to become trapped in USB ports, with some forced to take their affected device in for service just to free the plug.
While the issue does not appear to be widespread, some AppleInsider readers have reported seeing the issue first hand, saying the new connector is getting stuck in their Macs, cars and even dedicated chargers.
Apple's Support Communities has a thread dedicated to the problem, where miffed users have taken to posting their experiences with the problematic connector.
Forum members posited the design of the Lightning's USB plug is to blame, saying the pair of indentations meant to secure the plug with a host machine are too deep. The USB standard calls for these two "notches" to be built in to connectors to prevent accidental or unwanted removal of the cable.
Apple's 30-pin connector design (let) features shallow notches compared to the new Lightning connector (right).
Source: AppleInsider reader Richard via flickr
In most implementations, specially shaped leaf spring detents within in the USB socket hold the plug in place and allow for easy insertion and removal. However, if the corresponding indentations on a connector are too deep, the detents may extend into the plug past normal operating limits, essentially locking the plug in place.
It is not guaranteed that the security notches are causing the problem, though the feature appears to be one of the main design changes from the legacy 30-pin dock connectors.
According to multiple Apple support forum members who contacted, the company is supposedly aware of the problem and will replace the cables for customers affected by the issue.
While the issue does not appear to be widespread, some AppleInsider readers have reported seeing the issue first hand, saying the new connector is getting stuck in their Macs, cars and even dedicated chargers.
Apple's Support Communities has a thread dedicated to the problem, where miffed users have taken to posting their experiences with the problematic connector.
Forum members posited the design of the Lightning's USB plug is to blame, saying the pair of indentations meant to secure the plug with a host machine are too deep. The USB standard calls for these two "notches" to be built in to connectors to prevent accidental or unwanted removal of the cable.
Apple's 30-pin connector design (let) features shallow notches compared to the new Lightning connector (right).
Source: AppleInsider reader Richard via flickr
In most implementations, specially shaped leaf spring detents within in the USB socket hold the plug in place and allow for easy insertion and removal. However, if the corresponding indentations on a connector are too deep, the detents may extend into the plug past normal operating limits, essentially locking the plug in place.
It is not guaranteed that the security notches are causing the problem, though the feature appears to be one of the main design changes from the legacy 30-pin dock connectors.
According to multiple Apple support forum members who contacted, the company is supposedly aware of the problem and will replace the cables for customers affected by the issue.
Comments
Purple halogate
Mapgate
Light leakgate
Scuffgate
I'm waiting on LTE databurnergate
Maybe your car is too small...
http://www.macrumors.com/2012/09/26/iphone-battery-life-greatly-impacted-by-cellular-signal-strength/
Quote:
Originally Posted by Postulant
LTE battery draingate:
http://www.macrumors.com/2012/09/26/iphone-battery-life-greatly-impacted-by-cellular-signal-strength/
Laws of Electromagnetics upheld.
Ahh, nothing like that satisfying "Ker-Chunk" of a connector locking firmly in place...
Does any one remember so many negative things related to a new device? Wow.
Lets see.
1) Maps.
2) Niks and scratches.
3) Yellow screen.
4) USB stuck.
5) Purple hue.
6) Battery performance.
7) Light leak.
Can this be a bad sing for Apple? Does any one remember so many bad stories pertaining to a major release from Apple?
Right key - wrong keyhole.
I wish...
Is that to charge the phone or the leaf?
Just saw on CNN there's now an iPhone too thin-gate.
I think it's less a reflection on Apple than:
1. Anyone can complain about anything and the Internet makes the complaints widespread even if only 0.0000001% of people are affected.
2. Complaints about Apple get top billing even when Apple is actually better than average in a particular subject.
3. The massive numbers of Android shills and Apple haters are desperate so they blow things out of proportion.
4. Apple's products sell in such huge numbers that the media jumps all over silly things like "there were 10 complaints about xxxxx" without realizing that 10 complaints out of 100 M phones sold is actually a pretty good number.
I have no problem with the USB end at all. I am slightly concerned about the actual lighting port on the phone wearing over time, where it won't firmly hold the plug. Could just be paranoid though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by winstein2010
That's what she said...
In reply to iSheldon? Beat me to it.