Belkin Announces First Lightning Accessories for iPhone and iPad mini

The new Lightning port isn't one of the more popular features of the iPhone 5. Still, those who are willing to embrace it can now pre-order some peripherals.

Apple has stopped using the Dock Connector on its newest smartphones and tablets. Instead, these devices have a much smaller power and data port dubbed the Lightning port.

Fortunately for those who have one of Apple's recently-relesed smartphones or tablets, Belkin has begun taking pre-orders for a pair of peripherals that can connect directly to the Lightning Port: a car charger and the desktop Charge + Sync dock. These cost $30 each, and are scheduled to be released in the middle of this month.

"Belkin was the first third-party manufacturer to develop accessories for the 30-pin connector back in 2003, and we are thrilled to be first to market again with solutions for the new Lightning connector," said Martin Avila, general manager of Belkin's core division. "People are eager for Lightning accessories and Belkin's give them a reliable way to keep their new iPhone 5, iPad 4th generation, iPad mini or iPod touch charged, protected, and ready to go."