Apple May Update All iPhones, iPads and iPods to Smaller Dock this Fall

Apple is planning a major mobile product launch this fall centered around the iPhone 5.

The launch event rumored for September 12th, could see the release of the iPhone 5, a new iPad 4th generation, an iPad Mini, iPod Touch and a new iPod Nano.

The huge mobile product launch is due to the switch to a smaller 8-pin or 19-pin dock connector and also due to the need to update some products.

We’ve speculated that Apple would update the entire iOS mobile device line to the smaller dock connector at once, even if it meant an early upgrade for the iPad, and now iMore reports that Apple is planning to do just that.

iMore cites the sources that tipped the publication about the smaller dock connector and the Mini Dock adapter.

While it is out of character for Apple to update the iPad so quickly, it is not surprising to see the company planning to launch all mobile products on a smaller dock connector at once.

Not only would this simplify the use of charging and accessories for new users, it would give manufacturers a clear break to switch and support the smaller dock connector going forward.

We’ve covered 5 reasons Apple will switch to the smaller dock connector, and the iPad mini looks even better for a fall launch with the latest rumors. Our iPad Mini engineering sample photos showed the smaller dock connector.

Updating a product before the end of a one year life cycle is fast for Apple, but not out of place in the mobile industry where new versions of smartphones and tablets hit the market before the shine wears off of the previous model. I don’t expect Apple will start releasing new models every six months, but it makes sense to update the iPad early when making a change to the dock connector, even if there will likely be a small adapter.

iPad Mini & iPhone 5 Release Date Rumors

Rumors point to September 12th for the Apple iPhone 5 and iPad Mini launch event, where we should also hear about a new iPod Touch and iPod Nano and a slight upgrade to the iPad 3rd Gen.

The iPhone 5 release date is on track for Friday September 21st, but the iPad Mini release date may not happen until November.

If Apple announces a slight refresh to the iPad and new iPod models they may arrive in stores within days of the announcement.

iPhone 5 Rumors

The iPhone 5 is rumored to launch in September with a September 21st iPhone 5 release date looking likely after confirmation from multiple sources.

Read: iPhone 5 Release Date, Feature, Design & Spec Roundup

The new iPhone is said to feature a new design with a taller and thinner body and metal back. The iPhone 5 leaks point to a larger 4-inch display with 17% more viewing area, though the iPhone 5 size doesn’t increase dramatically compared to the iPhone 4s. The iPhone 5 may look like the partially assembled iPhone in the video below.

The iPhone 5 will likely feature 4G LTE connectivity, and may arrive with a faster quad-core processor.

iPad Mini Rumors

The iPad Mini is likely to sport a 7.85-inch display with a Retina Display resolution and a thinner body than the current iPad. The iPad Mini os expected to sport the new smaller dock connector.

Read: iPad Mini Release Date, Specs, News and Rumors

The iPad Mini may not sport a rear facing camera, though sources offer conflicting information on this spec. The iPad Mini could ship with 4G LTE connectivity, which is one of our most missed features on the Nexus 7.

The iPad Mini will likely cost around $300 for the base model.

New iPad Rumors

The New iPad is the only product not due for an upgrade, and rumors suggest the upgrade would be a minor one. iLounge reports that it will see a new microphone on the back, smaller dock connector and changes to address heat issues.

The rear microphone would reportedly help with audio while recording video on the iPad. There is no mention of a better iPad camera for user who continue to use the large device as a point and shoot camera.

iPod Nano Rumors

While early iPod Nano rumors suggested a taller device possibly capable of running apps, recent rumors suggest iOS 6 will deliver connectivity with the iPhone 5.

If the Bluetooth + iOS 6 features are true, we’re holding out hope for a similar looking iPod Nano capable of being worn as a watch that can show iMessages and take calls using a built-in microphone.

Stay tuned for more breaking iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPod news and rumors