Further investigation into the Lightning connector shows a neat array of pins and a clip to hold the cable in place.

As can be seen in the 2nd high res picture, there are are two outermost pin that are inset from the others. This is standard practice to insure that all other signals and power are connected before the ground or power (depending if Apple decided to supply power via the outer metal shield or ground.

Normal practice is to connect signals and ground first and then the power is applied via the shorter pins. Time will tell and someone with a DVM as to which is the power (pin or shell).

Each pin (shown in the third picture) is springy and gold plated on the end to ensure good conductivity between the Lightning cable and the socket.