iPod Accessories: Docks, Speakers, Remotes and Car Kits

One connector, many products

The third-generation iPod of 28 April 2003 replaced the FireWire port with a dock connector on its base, and the 15 GB and 30 GB models came with a dock that had an audio line output for a stereo or powered speakers. The 30-pin connector carried USB, FireWire, control signals, line-level audio and later video; remotes and car kits used its simple serial protocol to control the iPod. Apple counted more than 1,000 accessories developed for the iPod in September 2005, more than 4,000 two years later and over 5,000 by September 2008.

Timeline of iPod connectors: FireWire port on the iPod 2001–2003, the 30-pin dock connector on new models 2003–2012, and Lightning 2012–2022 on the 7th generation iPod nano and the iPod touch from its 5th generation. — Which connector new iPod models used, 2001–2022.

Made for iPod and the Universal Dock

The Made for iPod licensing programme started in January 2005, letting approved products carry its logo. Apple argued that licensing helped makers ensure their devices worked with iPods; critics saw it mainly as a source of royalties. In September 2005 Macworld reported that Apple had asked members to build cradles accepting the plastic dock adapter supplied with each new iPod, so one product could fit different models. Apple's US$39 Universal Dock of 12 October 2005 added S-video, a variable line output and an infrared receiver for the US$29 Apple Remote. The programme later took in the iPhone and iPad and was renamed MFi in 2010.

Speakers and sport

The iPod Hi-Fi, introduced on 28 February 2006 at US$349, was Apple's own speaker system for any iPod with a dock connector. It had two wide-range speakers and a tuned, ported bass system, ran from mains power or six D-cell batteries, and was discontinued on 5 September 2007. On 23 May 2006 Nike and Apple announced the US$29 Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a shoe sensor and a receiver for the iPod nano that recorded time, distance, pace and calories; it went on sale on 13 July 2006.

Cars and Lightning

The BMW iPod Adapter, announced on 21 June 2004 at US$149 plus fitting, let drivers control an iPod in the glove compartment from the steering-wheel buttons. In January 2005 Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Nissan, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari announced plans of their own, and by September 2007 Apple cited iPod connectivity in over 70 per cent of US cars. On 12 September 2012 Lightning, a smaller and reversible connector, replaced the 30-pin design on the iPhone 5, iPod touch and iPod nano; older accessories needed the US$29 Lightning-to-30-pin Adapter.

Browse by iPod model

Explore the iPod Classic, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, and iPod Touch pages for model-specific reference information.

Explore related iPod reference pages

Browse Home, Buy iPods, and iPod Advertising for related reference content. You can also explore the 2001 timeline, 2002 timeline, 2003 timeline, 2004 timeline, 2005 timeline, 2006 timeline, and 2007 timeline.