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Apple’s new Lightning dock requires iOS 8

Update: It’s for audio out support.

Apple this morning released a dock for its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus more than 9 months after the release of the iPhone itself. One notable requirement for the dock that is not listed on its product page, however, is that it apparently requires that the accompanying iPhone run iOS 8.

This requirement is listed in a support document for Apple’s Lightning docks. The document gives no explanation as to why iOS 8 is required, nor does it list if the entire functionality of the dock is lost without iOS 8. But here’s what we’ve found out from sources:

[tweet https://twitter.com/JordanKahn/status/601018566364790784 align=’center’]

That’s the reason why iOS 8 is “required” for the charging dock, but it also means it shouldn’t be an issue for just charging non-iOS 8 devices. The numerous third-party docks do not have that requirement, so perhaps it’s also an effort by Apple to force users to update to the latest version of iOS.

The new Lightning Charging Dock for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus is available for $39 and listed as shipping in 1-3 days.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

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