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LONDON (Sept 30, 2012): Hundreds of loyal Apple customers are furious after the technology giant failed to release adaptors needed for the new iPhone 5 in Britain.

The highly anticipated gadget – which sold five million units worldwide during the first weekend of its release on Sept 21 – has a new charging connector which is 80% smaller than previous models.

The change means millions who rushed to buy the new phone at prices of up to US$850 (RM2,600) can no longer use existing accessories such as music systems and car chargers until they get a new adaptor, according to the Daily Mail.

The new 'Lightning' dock adaptors are not expected to be available until mid-October at the earliest and will also cost an extra US$29 (RM88).

Apple shared the specifications of its new model with many of its accessory-makers only after the iPhone 5 was released in stores.

Apple said on its website that "soon many iPhone accessories will be Lightning compatible".

Last week hundreds of angry customers vented their frustration after experiencing glitches with its new Maps app in its iOS 6 mobile operating system.

Apple CEO Tim Cook in a 219-word apology addressed "to our customers" and posted on the company's web site on Friday said its engineers were working round the clock to fix the bugs.

– Reuters