New iPhone headphones dubbed ‘Earpod’, smaller dock connector named ‘Lightning’

Later today, Apple lifts the veil on its latest iPhone. We know what it’s going to look like and what OS it’s going to run. Now, sources have unearthed the names of two controversial yet essential pieces of hardware. Headphones are now called “Earpods”, and the heavily-maligned smaller dock connector is called “Lighting”.

Enter the Earpod

For US$29, the newly flattened Earpods can be yours. We’re unsure of the audio quality of the Earpods, but one thing is certain, it’ll be shaped like an ivory M&M.

Greased Lightning

The new 9-pin dock connector, Lightning is most definitely a part of the Thunderbolt family of naming conventions. That’s the first reason for the name. The second? Expect faster transfer speeds, but perhaps not the 20 Gbit maximum speed that Thunderbolt promises. Thirdly, “thunderbolts and lightning, very very frighting indeed,” A sneaky Queen reference? Regardless, Lighting will sell for US$10.