Soon, you'll be able to use the Apple Lightning connector on third-party accessories

Have you ever been annoyed at how Apple's Lightning connector can only be used on Apple devices and not by any third-party accessory, such as a portable charger or a speaker? Well, that's soon going to change, as Apple has allowed third-party accessory makers  to include a port for its proprietary Lightning connector.According to 9to5 Mac, Apple announced it will be licensing out new Lightning connectors and receptacles last week during its yearly Made-for-iPhone/iPad (MFi) program in Shenzhen, China. As of now, accessories for iOS devices, such as portable chargers, usually come with a separate micro USB connector for charging. These accessories can soon be charged using the Lightening cable - the cable that Apple supplies with iOS devices.The Lightening port, which was previously reserved only for Apple products will now be seen on accessories made by third-party manufacturers. This means you can use your iPhone or iPad charger to charge other accessories such as headphones, speakers and other portable devices. This should help manufacturers reduce costs involved in supplying a separate cable, while users need not have to carry two chargers - one for the accessory and the other their iPhone, iPad or iPod.Apple plans to ship the new Lightning connector and receptacle to accessory makers in early 2015.