Rumors have abounded about a smaller dock connector for Apple's iPhone 5, leading iFans to wonder if their existing iAccesories will become obsolete. Speculations have focused on the possibility that Apple may offer an adapter to counter this issue, and a recent leak seems to confirm the same.

"The Dock Connector Adapters will sell for approximately $10 each or three for $29, with Apple-branded new USB cables selling for $19 each," states the iLounge report. The adapter is expected to be sold either "individually and/or in a three-packs." Selling a three-pack option for $29 makes sense as most iPhone users usually own more than a single accessory.

According to an iLounge report, Apple would be the exclusive vendor for the new dock connector adaptor. So far, Apple has not been very forthcoming on the next-generation accessory details and the Cupertino-based firm has not shared the specification details with third-party developers. Reports also suggest that Apple "stopped approving third-party proposals for connector equipped accessories" in recent months.

Tech gurus opine that Apple's alleged decision to maintain exclusive rights for the accessories could be a clever maneuver to dominate the market for both adapters and cables by limiting competition, as well as thwarting third-party accessory makers from hijacking its market share. The company did the same with its MagSafe connectors for MacBook laptops. Third-party solutions were prevented from foraying into Apple's lucrative territory thanks to licensing agreements and lawsuit threats.

A reliable source noted that with this move, Apple could reap benefits "generating revenues of $100 million for every 10 million Dock Connector Adapters it sells for $10." The source also divulged that Apple forecasts that it will touch the 10 million adapter sales mark by the end of 2012. However, whether Apple allows third-party developers to release alternatives eventually is anybody's guess.