Apple rumored to be only maker of new iPhone 5 dock connector adapters

Josh Miller/CNET

(CBS News) Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 5 next week, which means rumors surrounding the new smartphone are at fever pitch. This time, a report is circulating that claims the company will be the sole maker of adapters for the iPhone 5's new dock connector.

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Citing several sources, the blog iLounge reported that initially Apple will be the exclusive vendor for the iPhone 5's dock connector adapter. According to the report, the company has not offered developers specifications for the rumored dock connector. Additionally, the sources say the adapters will sell for about $10 each or $29 for a pack of three.

In July, Reuters also reported that the iPhone's connector dock will switch from a 30-pin connector port to a smaller 19-pin port. At the time, analysts suggested that it would be a boon for the accessories market. But if iLounge's report is true, Apple may be the only one laughing all the way to the bank - at least for now.

So why does this matter?

If Apple changes the size of its dock connector, that means all past generations of iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches will need a converter to work with future generations of accessories, like docks, monitors and chargers.

One analyst has already estimated that the iPhone 5 could sell up to 10 million units in its first week. The popularity of the smartphone could be incentive enough for Apple to play its cards close its chest.

According to the Fiscal Times, the mobile phone accessories market took in $34 billion in revenue. Products made or approved by Apple made up about $2 to $3 billion of that number. One can assume that Apple is just trying to increase its market share

We'll all get some answers soon enough. Apple's press event is schedule for Sept. 12.

47 Photos

The evolution of Apple products

[ralphing]

Apple licensed their 30-pin connector to any company that wanted to add an iPhone connector to their device or car. They got $30 per connector, which made them a boatload of cash. Since just about everyone wanted a docking station, had a docking station of some sort, so the market was drying up. The adapter will allow them to drink from the same well of money all over again.

[DiamondDGrier]

As always they look for ways to get money out of honest Americans.
They are plotting to change the cords when all of the carriers made universal cords for a fit all..They just got a Billion dollars and now they are attacking honest american buy changing the cord so they will have to purchase a new one in which they will make the money...

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Apple recently settled a trademark dispute with the Chinese company Proview for the international rights for the name "iPad." The Shenzhen-based company sued Apple for $1.6 billion for trademark infringement earlier this year.

Proview went as far as filing a complaint against Apple in a California court. The battle between the two companies swept China and escalated to the point of Apple pulling iPads from Chinese retailers. Mainland China eventually got approval to sell the popular tablet soon after the new iPad was launched in March. It was announced Monday that Apple has paid $60 million to settle the dispute.

Jiangsu Xuebao is seeking RMB 500,000 (about $78,000 USD) and an apology from Apple. The hearing is set for July 10, 2012.