Good news everyone! The release of the next iPhone will render all your iPhone accessories completely useless… wait, what?

Apple have had a patent granted by the U.S. Patent Office for what is believed to be the dock connector of the next iPhone. The patent describes a revamped design for the iPhone’s charging and data port that uses a 19-pin connector, replacing Apple’s current 30-pin connector. The form factor of the 19-pin connector resembles very closesly that of the micro-usb port.

Apple’s version has a wedge shaped connector to stop customers plugging it in the wrong way round. However, as I mentioned at the start, the last concern on customer’s minds will be which way up the connector is supposed to be shoved into the next iPhone. I’m sure the prospect of everyone’s accessories becoming obsolete will be a much bigger worry. Naturally, the problem could be solved relatively easily if Apple release adaptors with its next iPhone, but it’s safe to say that if the iPhone does rock up sporting a new adaptor, then there’s going to be some hassle for someone… somewhere…

Hopefully, a smaller connector could mean a thinner form factor, and it’ll be nice not to have a gaping hole in the bottom of your phone. Would you be excited for a new connector? Or are you worried about the changes you might have to make to facilitate the advance? Leave your comments below!

@TiP_Stephen