With more and more reports pouring in, favoring the smaller dock connector in the next iPhone, it seems that a major change in the next iPhone's hardware is a done deal. However, Apple's decision may leave consumers owning a bagful of unwanted 30-pin accessories as all the old iAccessories may not work on the next iPhone.

The rumors about Apple ditching the 22mm long 30-pin dock connector it is deploying since the past five years in every iPhone, iPod, and iPad manufactured are nothing new. However, with recent reports from Reuters also acknowledging the inclusion of a smaller port at the bottom of iPhone 5, the 19-pin dock connector theory seems inevitable.

Last month, folks at TechCrunch independently verified that the next iPhone will pack a more compact connector with 19-pins that will be identical in size to the Thunderbolt port found in the MacBook line up of Apple laptops.

Even most of the supposed photos of iPhone 5 floating on the web show a smaller dock port in the bottom, along with a headphone jack located next to the new port. Rumors are on a rise that Apple is moving the headphone jack to the bottom in the next iPhone.

In the scenario that Apple really shrinks the size of dock port in iPhone 5, all the existing iAccessories will become obsolete. A new dock connector can leave Apple fans at a loss. However, the move will be no less than a dream come true for iAccessory makers as the new dock standard means boost in sales, especially for accessories featuring the new port standard.

However, rumors abound that Apple is reportedly working on a 19-pin to 30-pin adapter so that existing accessory won't be left in the dust. According to iMore, Apple will have a dock adapter ready when it launches the next generation iPhone.

If the report is to be believed, then we have no reason to worry as Apple itself will resolve the matter. However, do not expect the 19- to 30-pin dock connector to come for free. The new accessories may well burn a hole in your pocket!