Apple is preparing to ditch its long-established 30 pin dock connector in the next iPhone, reports suggest.
It had previously been rumoured by Apple blogs and tech sites that the venerable connector - used in thousands of docks, cables and accessories, was facing the end.
But now the Reuters report, quoting unnamed sources, suggests that the end really is nigh.
According to Reuters the smaller connector will be moved in to create more space for battery.
Analysts quoted by Reuters said that it made sense to move to a smaller connector, and added it would create new business for accessory makers.
Others said Apple would incorporate an adapter in case older accessories needed to be used.
The news apparently corroborates rumours about the new iPhone which said the headphone connector would be moved to the bottom of the phone.
Several 'leaked' photos of the new device have already hit the internet, but none have been confirmed.