Rumours firming about 8-pin dock connector for iPhone 5, iPad mini

The latest episode in the new dock connector saga provides evidence that the forthcoming iPhone 5 and iPad mini will both feature a new 8-pin dock connector. Photos published by a iPhone repair specialist of dock connector and headphone jack assemblies for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini show a new, single-sided 8-pin connector. Samples of black and white connector mouldings are shown. Photos of very similar - though not identical - parts have also appeared online.

It's not unknown for manufacturers to source equivalent parts with cosmetic differences from multiple suppliers.