Apple's 30-pin connector which the company used in its portable iDevices for around a decade gave way to the smaller 8-pin Lightning connector, which was first seen in September this year in the latest iPhone 5. Initially released in Europe, Apple has now released the Lightning to Micro USB adapter in the U.S. for $19. 

The latest iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPad mini, and the Retina iPad also have the Lightning connector. Many iFans with older iDevices, which use the 30-pin connector, were disgruntled as the new series of iDevices would now require new accessories or an adapter to be made compatible with older accessories.

Apple had to release the adapter with the iPhone 5 in Europe to fulfil the European Commission's regulation that all smartphones sold in Europe should be compatible with micro USB.

Till now, customers with iDevices using the Lightning port had to buy the adapter from third-party resellers or directly from an Apple Store in Europe if they wanted to charge and sync their devices using a micro USB.

"As there is no official standard in the U.S., manufacturers offer their products in a variety of charging methods, causing many consumers to build up a stockpile of various cables and chargers. The Lightning to micro USB adapter looks to do away with at least one of those cables," reported AppleInsider.com.

The Lightning to micro USB adapter is compatible with the latest iPhone 5, fifth-generation iPod touch, seventh-generation iPod nano, and the fourth-generation iPads, the iPad mini, and the Retina iPad.

"The Lightning to Micro USB Adapter lets you connect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod with Lightning connector to micro USB cables and chargers to sync and charge your device," states Apple's Web site. 

Consumers can buy the Lighting to Micro USB Adapter for $19 directly from the Online Apple Store.