Apple has started the shipment of its lightning to 30-pin adapter orders. On Monday, Oct. 8, the most valuable tech company in the world sent out e-mails to its Australian customers, confirming that their Lightning to 30-pin adapter order had been shipped.

The expected date of arrival comes nearly four weeks after the iPhone 5 was launched on Sept. 12. Web site MacRumors was tipped off by some customers in Australia, who had received the shipment notification from Apple, which gave details of the new adapter's delivery.

"Apple has just begun notifying the first wave of customers who ordered the company's new Lightning to 30-pin Adapter that their orders are now shipping. MacRumors has received word from several readers located in Australia that their orders are now in transit, with one reader's shipping notification indicating that his shipment is due to be delivered on October 9," stated the Web site.

Apple has introduced a new 8-pin Lightning connector with the iPhone 5 as opposed to the previous 30-pin dock connector that was used in all the iDevices. Pre-launch rumors had indicated that Apple would be including a smaller connector in the sixth iteration of the iPhone in order to aid its taller and slimmer form factor. Post the launch, the smaller connector was confirmed and iFans were left wondering if their earlier iDevices would be rendered obsolete, courtesy the change.

However, following the unveiling of the iPhone 5, Apple announced that a Lightning to 30-pin adapter would be available and would ship on October. Apple's new Lightning to 30-pin adapter would ensure that a user's old iPhone and iPod accessories remained compatible with the new iPhone 5 and could be used easily.

Additionally, the new Apple adapters are said to have advance protocol and authentication hardware, which makes it next to impossible for third-party accessory manufacturers to churn out a cheaper alternative without paying royalties to the company.

Apple is offering two versions of the adapter: a direct plug adapter for $29 and an adapter with a short cable for $39. Both the adapters can be ordered from Apple's online store.