[ChuckMcM]

It won't be patented by Apple. Which is a hindrance to a 'universal' connector design. Of course Apple started patenting its connectors in part to give it a weapon against inferior cable/accessory makers (or so I'm told).

[analog31]

Occam's Razor: Apple patented it in order to own the invention.

[protomyth]

I think the iPod / iPhone chargers that caused fires was a concern.

[mindslight]

If a company isn't worried about fallout from negligently designed mains equipment, they certainly aren't worried about patent lawlers.

[protomyth]

If I remember right, and it started with golf clubs of all things, patents give you a way to stop the import of these items. I figure Apple patents everything anyway.