Apple changes Lightning spec after killing Kickstarter dock

Who says Apple doesn't listen? The electronics giant has tweaked the tech specs of its Lightning adapter (used to charge iPhones and iPads), meaning a recently-derailed Kickstarter project could go ahead after all.

Apple will now allow its Lightning adapter to coexist with the older 30-pin adapter in the same accessory, a spokesperson told our sister site CNET. Is the old cutthroat company softening a little? Or is it just honouring goodwill to all men at this time of year?

"Our technical specifications provide clear guidelines for developing accessories and they are available to MFi licensees for free," Apple spokesperson Tom Neumayr said. "We support accessories that integrate USB and Lightning connectors, but there were technical issues that prevented accessories from integrating 30-pin and Lightning connectors so our guidelines did not allow this."

The guidelines have since been updated to allow accessories to feature both kinds of connector. The changes go into effect immediately.

Which is good news for the team behind a certain POP portable charging station. The Kickstarter project was taken out of action, with the makers forced to return almost $140,000 in donations, all because Apple wouldn't let it use both Lightning and 30-pin adapters side by side.

The team at Edison Junior, the company behind the POP, were understandably a little peeved. "We are pissed," CEO Jamie Siminoff told VentureBeat. "I think they are being a bunch of assholes, and I think they're hurting they're customers."

But Siminoff was more upbeat after hearing Apple's change of plan. He was feeling "much better" he told The Verge, and if the POP is able to be made as originally intended, then "1,000 percent we will make it." He added Edison Junior will make a formal announcement in the next 10 days.

Warms your heart, doesn't it? Maybe more companies should get it on the festive cheer. Let me know what you reckon in the comments, or on our Facebook page.