Don't buy an iPhone 4 Dock! Buy an Apple Universal Dock instead.

When Apple announced the iPhone 4, one of the accessories they announced was the iPhone 4 Dock. I have iPhone 3G/3GS Docks around the house and I figured that the iPhone 4 would require a new dock since the iPhone 4 is a new design from the the 3G/3GS. So without thinking, I went ahead and ordered the new dock. Of course as soon as the order shipped I realized that I would be better off going with the Apple Universal Dock instead. As a matter of fact I already own a couple of the original Universal Docks. The problem with those though is that when you plug in an iPhone you get the "This accessory may not work with your iPhone" message. Of course it does work, it's just that this dock came out before the iPhone and the pin configuration is slightly different. So I just ignore the message and sync/charge. In other parts of the house where I just want charging and I don't want the iPhone to lay down on the surface I had been using the 3G/3GS docks. Of course the NEW Universal Dock is compatible and doesn't have this message.

Although the iPhone 4 Dock is Cheaper, the Apple Universal Dock is a better deal in the long run

The beauty of the Apple Universal Dock is that you buy it once and whenever Apple creates a new iDevice, they also create "universal dock inserts" for that device. The iPhone 4 is no different. They make Universal Dock Inserts for it too. So instead of spending $29 every time the iPhone's (or iPod's) design changes (3 times so far), you can spend $49 once for the Universal Dock + $9 for the new dock inserts (you get 3 in the package for the iPhone 4). They even include them with new iPods. Apple also includes several dock inserts for various iDevices right in the box with the Universal Dock. You also get an Apple Remote so that you can connect the Dock to your stereo speakers or stereo system and then remote control the playback of your audio/video. You spend a little more up front, but you get a better deal in the long run if you plan to upgrade your iDevices on a regular basis.

One more hidden benefit. Apple sells Bumpers for the iPhone 4. With all the reported iPhone 4 reception issues, you may want to seriously consider getting one until they sort this all out. However, like most iPhone cases, you can't dock the iPhone in the iPhone Dock even with Apple's own Bumper installed. However, with the Universal Dock if you REMOVE the iPhone 4 Dock Insert, the iPhone will Dock with the Bumper in place. Perfect. Lastly I should point out that if you do still have your original iPhone 2G dock lying around, rumor has it that the iPhone 4 fits perfectly in it (without the Bumper of course).

I'll be returning my iPhone 4 Docks to the Apple Store and getting Universal Docks instead.

You can get the Apple Universal Dock here for $49.00 (or less).

Jack

My old iPod dock works with the new phone (generating the warning message but it still works).
Randall

As always, a very informative review. Thanks, Terry. While on the subject of accessories for the iphone 4, have you found any cases similar to the DLO you reviewed a while back (leather holster style)? I really enjoyed that case, so I ended up getting the Sena Laterale case: http://www.senacases.com/apple/iphone-4-cases/, which appears to be exactly what I wanted. As far as vent mounts, I’m looking at the iGrip universal mount: http://store.tipb.com/igrip-universal-fit-vent-mount/3A78A1743.htm, which doesn’t appear to be as advanced as the Arkon mount, but seems like it’ll do the job.
Thibault

The “old” Apple Universal Docks (actually, the proper name is Apple iPod dock for the old version) works in every aspect for the new iPods/iPhones except in one significant way: it does not do video out for those new iDevices but it does do video out for the older iDevices. The “old” Apple Universal Docks will continue to charge and play music even though the new iDevices will pop up a message to say the dock is not compatible.
- http://www.gadgetboost.com Cathy T
  
  I also discovered that if you buy a little dock extender boost from http://www.gadgetboost.com that you can use almost any apple device with 30-pin with almost any cable and dock. Easier to buy something like that and not have too worry each time a new device comes out. Saved me some money
EB

Yes, the original iPhone dock works quite nicely with an unencased iPhone 4
AJ

I’ve just bought a universal dock for my iPhone 4 and when I plug it in I get the “this accessory may not work with your iPhone” message too, but my music isn’t playing properly through the audio output! (charges fine though). I only get a tiny sound-bite every half a second or so.

The speakers definitely work fine and the in-built iPhone speaker and headphone output play the music just fine. Is anyone else having this problem?

Thanks for your help,
AJ
- http://www.terrywhite.com/ Terry White
  
  AJ, I’m wondering if you got the current generation dock or an older one? Does yours have a round or slit IR eye on the front? The older one is round.
  - AJ
    
    Turns out I had a faulty dock. Returned it to the store and got another one today, works perfect
    
    AJ
AJ

Terry, it does have the slit IR eye on the front. It’s exactly like the one in the picture above.

Thanks for your response,
AJ
Ross

I’m confused! Went to the apple store last week to get the universal dock to be told it doesnt work with iPhone 4 and i would have to purchase the universal insert for iPhone 4 seperatly at £7.00! Is this the case?
- http://www.terrywhite.com/ Terry White
  
  Is the universal dock compatible? Yes it is.
  Do you need the separately purchased dock inserts? Yes if you want the iPhone 4 to fit properly. No if you’re going to dock with a bumper case.
http://www.synthecept.com Mark

Check out the LYCO Adapter at http://www.synthecept.com. It is a universal dock adapter that works with the iPhone 4 with or without a case. The LYCO Adapter also works with the iPhone 4 bumper case! It also works with the universal dock sold by apple.
The_Limpz

Is the remote work with iPhone4?
cindy witak

still some confusion on my part. i have a new ‘verizon’ type iphone 4 and an older 30-pin ipod universal dock from 2005. would these two products be functionally compatible? and if so, will i also need to obtain any specific adapter?

thanks in advance for any and all salient feedback.
- http://www.terrywhite.com/ Terry White
  
  If your 2005 model is the one with the round/circle IR port on the front of it then it’s not compatible (although it may work). You should get the new one and the iPhone 4 to universal dock adapters (3 in a pack). If it’s the one with the small rectangular slit for the IR port on the front then it’s the right one and you just need the iPhone 4 universal dock adapters.
cindy witak

Thanks! Yes it is the one with the round/circle IR port on the front. You say it may work? If I try can it damage my iphone or is it best to update and buy the 3 in a pack?
- http://www.terrywhite.com/ Terry White
  
  It’s definitely BEST to buy the new one that IS COMPATIBLE! While the old one may work, it would constantly warn you that it was not compatible every time you plug in your iPhone. If you want to be safe, get the current model!

Don’t buy an iPhone 4 Dock! Buy an Apple Universal Dock instead.

Although the iPhone 4 Dock is Cheaper, the Apple Universal Dock is a better deal in the long run

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Don’t buy an iPhone 4 Dock! Buy an Apple Universal Dock instead.

Although the iPhone 4 Dock is Cheaper, the Apple Universal Dock is a better deal in the long run

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