Apple just won a new patent that reveals their plans to extend the functionality of their infamous 30-pin connector to now support both USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt.

The first will allow speeds of up to 5 Gpbs while the later extends to support up to 10 Gbps. There are no details on whether an iOS update will allow backwards compatibility with existing iOS devices, but judging by the fact that no previous generation Macs were allowed to support it, we won’t hold our breath over it.

I’ve got to admit most of us were expecting Apple to finally adopt Micro USB as a standard in the sake of a thinner, next generation iPhone. We’re not really sure if Micro USB is capable of extending itself to reach the new speeds that Thunderbolt supports, but if it can’t, then I guess it does make sense for Apple to stay away from it.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Patently Apple