RUMOUR: Apple to replace iPhone 5’s accessories

Web giant Apple has sanctioned a patent for replacing accessories of the next version of iPhone, leaving its consumers worried.

The firm is believed to be revamping the charging port for iPhone5, which is likely to be released later this year.

The patent sanction confirms rumors that Apple is switching its 30-pin dock to a 19-pin one.

"A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter," the Daily Mail quoted the U.S. Patent Office as stating.

"The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device," it added.

The rumored proposal has sparked alarm among the company's followers who fear they will have to buy new equipment to work with the phone, as the new design will require one to change all peripherals, such as speaker docks, unless adapters are available.

The new port looks similar to micro USB, the standard supported by all other phone manufacturers but it''s unlikely that Apple will support this standard.

Docking stations, which play music stored on iPhones and can cost hundreds of dollars, may become redundant along with the current chargers as all iPhones made so far use a 30-pin connector both for power and to plug in accessories.