Edible Apple

Leaked photos of the iPhone 5, along with a number of corroborating reports, have all pointed to Apple’s next-gen smartphone having a smaller dock connector. The purpose behind Apple implementing a micro dock, so to speak, rather straight forward to the extent that it will give Apple more space inside the device for more important items like the battery – which will take on even greater importance given that the iPhone 5 will likely support 4G LTE.

So what about all of your accessories that were designed for the current iPhone dock connector? Well, don’t worry folks, Apple has your back – sort of.

According to iLounge, Apple will be the only company selling a Dock Connector Adapter for older accessories.

According to sources, the Dock Connector Adapters will sell for approximately $10 each or three for $29, with Apple-branded new USB cables selling for $19 each…

While leaks of the new connector have been numerous, Apple has remained mum on what developers are calling the “9-pin Connector,” even though sources claim that Apple has in recent months stopped approving third-party proposals for connector-equipped accessories. Some developers fear that Apple will corner the market for both the adapters and cables, much as it did with MagSafe connectors for MacBook laptops, using licensing agreements and threats of lawsuits to prevent less expensive third-party solutions from coming to market.

What’s more, one of iLounge’s sources notes that Apple, in doing so, will be able to generate revenue of up to $100 million for every 10 million new adapters it sells – which Apple estimates it will be able to do. $100 million is by no means a windfall for Apple in and of itself, but you don’t get to a point of having  Billions in the bank without taking advantage of every monetary opportunity.