iPhone 6 will not feature reversible USB cables, reports claim

While Apple's iPhone 6 will most likely hit shelves with a new and improved power adapter, it is now being claimed the much-hyped reversible USB cable will not be released alongside it.

According to MacRumours, third-party vendor Moca.co revealed that Apple hasn't ordered the new reversible cables, saying:"We are informed by the Official Appointed Manufacturer of Apple that the new Reversible USB Cable will not be released together with upcoming iPhone 6 and Apple has not placed any order with them yet.

"Apple fans will not be able to get the MFi version of this revolutionary cable from Apple this year but that is not the end of the story."

It was thought Apple was planning to introduce reversible USB-to-Lightning connectors with the iPhone 6, after images of what was believed to be a prototype version emerged online via nowhereelse.

The unverified leaks showed a modified USB cable that can reportedly be plugged in whichever way it happens to be inserted, finally eradicating a long-running problem for the hardware.

This is achieved through a thinner layer of pins placed in the middle, rather than the bulky ones sported by traditional USB connectors.

It's a small change, but one that many users have longed for. This latest round of rumours joins previous ones also suggesting that reversible USB connectors would soon become standard for Apple products.

Something like these new cables were expected to ship with the iPhone 6, set for release in September. Without them, users can still look forward to the new adapter, which will reportedly be compatible with all models of iPhone, iPad mini and iPod.

Apple is making various other changes to its hardware, such as a rumoured sapphire-coated screen aimed at making the handset stronger, and devices in two separate sizes: 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch.

The iPhone 6 will have the same 16:9 aspect ratio as the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, with 416ppi for the 4.7-inch and 356ppi for the 5.5-inch versions.

Caroline Preece

Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.

You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.