Apple to offer iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c cases, Lightning docks at launch
Apple is stepping back into the iPhone accessories market with iPhone cases, leather for the iPhone 5s and silicon for the iPhone 5c, and Lightning-ready docks for both devices.
With the iPhone 5c, Apple went with a silicon form-fitting design that sports a grid of holes on the back allowing for visibility of the phone's colorful plastic shell. Inside is a microfiber liner, while precision drilled holes align with the unit's speaker.
As the iPhone 5s is positioned as a premium handset, the company chose a leather case, the inside of which has a microfiber lining to keep the device protected from scratches. According to the Online Apple Store, a dye is infused into the leather, which is custom designed to cradle the iPhone's physical buttons and chamfered edge.
The iPhone 5c cases will be available in black, white, pink, yellow, blue and green for a price of $29. As for the iPhone 5s cases, those come in at $39 and will be offered in brown, beige, black, yellow, blue and (PRODUCT) RED.
Finally, Apple is releasing two new docks, one for the 5s and another for the 5c, which bring the usual charging, syncing and line-out seen in the company's previous products. Despite the emphasis on color, the docks are only offered in white, the main change from previous version being the inclusion of a Lightning connector and retooled cradle. The new lightning docks will be available on Sept. 20 for $29.
With the iPhone 5c, Apple went with a silicon form-fitting design that sports a grid of holes on the back allowing for visibility of the phone's colorful plastic shell. Inside is a microfiber liner, while precision drilled holes align with the unit's speaker.
As the iPhone 5s is positioned as a premium handset, the company chose a leather case, the inside of which has a microfiber lining to keep the device protected from scratches. According to the Online Apple Store, a dye is infused into the leather, which is custom designed to cradle the iPhone's physical buttons and chamfered edge.
The iPhone 5c cases will be available in black, white, pink, yellow, blue and green for a price of $29. As for the iPhone 5s cases, those come in at $39 and will be offered in brown, beige, black, yellow, blue and (PRODUCT) RED.
Finally, Apple is releasing two new docks, one for the 5s and another for the 5c, which bring the usual charging, syncing and line-out seen in the company's previous products. Despite the emphasis on color, the docks are only offered in white, the main change from previous version being the inclusion of a Lightning connector and retooled cradle. The new lightning docks will be available on Sept. 20 for $29.
Comments
Sorry those 5C cases are downright fugly.
Agreed. Ugh.
Do we know yet if the 5s case will fit the iphone 5?
IP5 58.6 x 123.8 x 7.6mm
IP5S 58.6 x 123.8 x 7.6mm
So I'd say maybe. Except for any new button locations, I dunno. Camera/flash are all bigger.
Edit (previous was 5S comparison)
????
It's so beautiful… "We don't think people want docks anymore" my FOOT.
they won't, the 5c has completely different dimensions.... bigger in every way, particularly thickness.
Apple. Making a brother happy. Again
Identical thicknesses. He was talking about 5 and 5S.
Yes, the iPhone 5S cases and docks are compatible with the previous iPhone 5.
Source: store.apple.com
Read the Compatibility section, people.
IP5 58.6 x 123.8 x 7.6mm
IP5S 58.6 x 123.8 x 7.6mm
So I'd say maybe. Except for any new button locations, I dunno. Camera/flash are all bigger.
Edit (previous was 5S comparison)
On the Apple store website, it says: compatibility, and lists both iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S
Sorry those 5C cases are downright fugly.
Couldn't have said it better myself. The colors, the style.... nothing to like about them. Those dots look like some connect 4 board or other pre-k type toy.
Happy they have a basic dock again but phone specific? Probably pick up a universal for any lighting instead
Why not having an irregular dotted pattern? This way Apple can avoid the writings on the backside of their phone.
Right now the case reveals "hon", which is a bit unfortunate on a design perspective.
How are you going to have a universal dock when all Lightning devices are different shapes and thicknesses?
I know Apple did this for the iPad but it's still interesting to see what Apple is liking in the post Steve Jobs era. I remember Steve publicly said in an interview that he didn't like cases and they felt like they ruined the look of the device and was more like a "condom" for your phone. I don't disagree with what he said at all (They really do look have a sleek look to them caseless unlike most smartphones pre 2007) but I do think cases are important because, well most people drop phones once in a while. Not everyone is naturally careful and accidents happen.
I agree that cases severely diminish from the fit and feel of a beautiful device like the iPhone. It's like putting a cheap plastic cover on your fancy leather couch. Sure, it protects it, but at what cost? You never get to enjoy the device that designers put thousands of hours into honing. Steve Jobs had it right, but if people want to buy them I guess I'm okay with that because it means more money for shareholders.
As for people dropping phones, I don't know what to say... how about a simple: "BE CAREFUL!"
I know I should knock on wood when I say this, but I'm pretty sure I've never damaged any expensive electronic device by dropping it in my entire life, for the simple fact that I'm careful with my stuff and I don't do stupid things like hovering over a toilet with a phone or iPod in an open pocket. The average person is careless, so I guess they get what they deserve and/or need to buy "condoms" that cover up their beautiful iDevices. It's sad, but doesn't affect my ability to enjoy the real thing, so have at it.
The upper range for a market like China would be anything above $400 USD - this price and above would capture almost no new market that Apple seeks to gain with the iPhone 5C, since Apple currently has products in this tier.
[IMG ALT=""]http://forums.appleinsider.com/content/type/61/id/31164/width/1000/height/2000[/IMG]
[IMG ALT=""]http://forums.appleinsider.com/content/type/61/id/31168/width/500/height/1000[/IMG]
Darn Huddler; why can I preview pics in 1000x2000 but not submit that? Geez, the irony