Let’s face it — we’re all excited about the supposed upgrades that Apple will be introducing to the iPhone 5. We’re all expecting these upgrades to make the arguably the world’s top smartphone much more competitive in a world that’s already brimming with Android devices like the new Samsung Galaxy S3 and Google Nexus 7, as well as Windows phones (not to mention the ailing Blackberries from RIM).

But change, while usually for the better, may come at a steep price. And in the case of the iPhone 5 this price may be your current lot of iPhone accessories.

iphone 5 accessories

Several iPhone accessory makers have confirmed that Apple will be making one of the most drastic changes we’ve seen in iOS devices. According to reports, Apple will be switching from a 30-pin to a 19-pin “Mini Dock” connector in order to significantly reduce the size of the iPhone 5. TechCrunch first broke the news and cited three 3rd party iPhone accessory companies:

“Three independent manufacturers all agreed that the 19-pin dock port is in the works and many accessory manufacturers are facing an uneasy few months as they wait for official news of the standard to be announced.”

30 pin ports have been the standard ever since Apple launched their 3rd generation iPod. This switch means that the once interchangeable accessories between most iOS devices will now be rendered obsolete. People who will purchase the iPhone 5 will now also have to purchase new docking stations, speakers and other accessories that will have to connect via the new 19-pin connector.

Is the reduction in size an acceptable trade-off? or would you like Apple to keep the 30-pin connector design on the iPhone 5? Be sure to share your thoughts and comments below!