# Smartphone Port-Expanding Devices The 'iLDOCK' Expands the Usage of the Apple Lightning Port By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-09-30 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightning-port References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/291423994/ildock-charge-and-listen-to-iphone-7-at-the-same-t) & [ildock](http://www.ildock.com/) The 'iLDOCK' device looks to enable iPhone users to expand the capabilities of the Apple Lightning port. Currently being funded as part of a [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minisopuru) campaign, the 'iLDOCK' works by being plugged into the iPhone 7; instantly, the device provides additional access to the Lightning port as well as adding a headphone jack. This will be welcome news to iPhone 7 owners who aren't completely committed to ditching their existing headphones with the 3.5mm input just yet. The 'iLDOCK' also comes in the 'iLDOCK Plus' model which packs the same features as the original, but adds a USB port, an SD card slot and more. Both devices come in four color options including silver, gold, rose gold and space grey to match the iPhone seamlessly. Although ideal for the iPhone 7, the 'iLDOCK' and 'iLDOCK Plus' also work excellently with other [iPhones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multiport-adapter) from the 5 and up as well as the iPad, [iPad mini](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipad-media-hub), Air and the iPod. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smartphone Port-expanding Devices:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and market innovative port-expanding devices for smartphones. - **Apple Lightning Port Enhancements:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create products that enhance the capabilities of the Apple Lightning port. - **Headphone Jack Adapters:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and produce adapters that enable the use of traditional headphones with smartphones lacking a headphone jack. ### Where This Applies - **Electronics Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offer a wide range of electronic accessories that enhance the functionality of smartphones. - **Audio Equipment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced audio equipment that seamlessly integrates with smartphones. - **Crowdfunding Platforms:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create user-friendly platforms that enable creators to crowdfund their innovative products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mobile Device Docking Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/usbc-stand-dock.md) - [7-in-1 USB Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-usb-c-hub-7.md) - [Comprehensive Computer Connectivity Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spigen-arcdock.md) - [Data-Storing Computer Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/external-ssd-drive.md) - [15-Port Laptop Docking Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-pro-docking-station.md) - [Spherical Smartphone Docking Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dockorb.md) - [Angular All-in-One Laptop Docks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macbook-docking-station.md) - [Apple-Focused Docking Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minisopuru.md) - [Smartphone-Charging Laptop Docks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uperfect-udock-x-156-pro.md)