Square has announced a Lightning-equipped version of its well-known Square Credit Card Reader, allowing users of Apple’s newer iPhone models to connect the reader directly. While Square’s original reader could be used with Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter, it made for a relatively clunky and awkward solution in terms of actually swiping cards, since it left the reader dangling loosely from the end of a cable. The new Square Reader for magstripe (with Lightning connector) ($10) provides all of the same features as the 3.5mm jack version, and promises “easier, more accurate swiping.” As with the headphone jack version, Square is also offering the new Lightning-based reader free for new users and other eligible merchants.
