Apple Begins Shipping Lightning Adapters for iPhone 5 Owners

The iPhone 5 offers a number of changes from the 4S, but perhaps none of them will make as much of an impact as the new the Lightning connector, which has replaced the old 30-pin Dock connector that was the standard for all Apple products. Considering that many Apple consumers' entire electronic ecosystem revolves around connecting their devices through the old 30-pin connector, the wait for a Lightning adapter has been a long and arduous one.

It appears that the wait might finally be over. Apple has begun informing its first wave of customers who ordered this product that it is now shipping, and is expected to be delivered on October 9, which may give other customers a rough indication of when they can expect their delivery.

Considering that Apple recently announced new restrictions to third-party cable manufactures that will likely result in their products being stalled and releasing with higher-than-expected price tags, Apple's adapters may be consumers best bet.

Currently Apple is offering two versions of the adapter, a $30 direct plug adapter and a $40 adapter with a short cable. Both will allow users to connect Lightning-enabled devices to docks and other accessories that were designated for the original 30-pin version.