Apple is set to include a charging cable with a USB-C connector in the box with its next range of iPhones, according to leaks ahead of the launch next week.

The move will enable fast charging of the smartphones, but will mean some iPhone owners will be unable to connect their handsets to existing accessories and PCs.

Until now, Apple has always shipped charging cables with the USB-A connector to plug into the mains charger, a computer, in-car infotainment system, and more.

The latest update will swap this connector for a USB-C, which is quickly becoming the industry-standard connection.

However, the change is likely to throw up some compatibility issues with users, as those who buy the latest iPhone hardware will not be able to use the new cable with the mains charger that shipped with their old handset — as these used USB-A.

Scroll down for video

Apple is set to include a charging cable with a USB-C connector in the box with its next-generation range of iPhones, according to leaks ahead of next week's launch. This image shows a USB C connector (left) next to Apple's Lightning (right)

Apple already sells a Lightning port to USB-C charging cable.

The company first announced the cable, which allows iPhone and iPad owners to plug-in their device to any USB-C port – including an external battery pack or computer, back in March 2016.

However, the charging cable shipped with every iOS device has continued to include a USB-A connector.

But that is set to change with the launch of the latest Apple smartphones next week, according to sources speaking with Japanese news source Macotakara.

According to Macotakara, Apple has informed partners in its 'Made For iPhone' (MFi) program they will be able to sell licenced USB-C to Lightning cables in the future.

Until now, only Apple was able to sell licenced versions of the cable.

The inclusion of the USB-C to Lightning connector in the MFI scheme hints that the cables are set to become much more prevalent in the future, fuelling rumours these cables will become the standard for future iPhone launches.

Third-party versions of the USB-C to Lightning cables should start hitting the market in mid-2019, according to the latest report from Macotakara.

Manufacturers hoping to create licenced cables will need to use meet the latest requirements from Apple, which stipulate the cable must be carry 18W of power to fast-charging iPhones — this is not the case with current-generation USB-A cables.

The move will enable fast charging of the smartphones, but will mean some iPhone owners will be unable to connect their handsets to existing accessories and PCs. This leaked image claims to show the iPhone XS (top) and XS Max (bottom). The devices have 6.1 and 6.5inch OLED screens, respectively

If the latest leak is accurate, the change to the bundled charging cable shipped with the new iPhone will eradicate these inconsistencies across Apple's line of products. This image shows the various types of connector available

Until now, those who wanted to take advantage of the fast-charging capabilities of the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X had to buy a USB-C cable from Apple separately.

Not everyone is happy with the move, with initial rumours sparking a flurry of people angrily criticising Apple for changing its charging cables again.

Apple introduced the Lightning port — a flat, reversible connector to charge and sync its iPhone and iPad devices — in September 2012.

This replaced the existing 30-pin connector that had been used to sync and charge all previous iPhone and iPad devices.

As a result, existing accessories and docks were no longer compatible.

Faced with the prospect of more incompatibility issues, Twitter users have voiced their complaints about the purported change ahead of the Apple launch event next week.

Twitter user Han said: 'So it seems like Apple is putting USB C on their phones... On the other side.

'All new USB C power adapters then to make you throw away all your old USB adapters?'

Until now, those who wanted to take advantage of the fast-charging capabilities of the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X had to buy a USB-C cable from Apple separately

Faced with the prospect of more incompatibility issues, Twitter users have voiced their complaints about the purported change ahead of the Apple launch event next week

‏One example of the sort of problems customers could face was outlined by Twitter user Vittorio, who found he could not connect his iPhone to a charging port on a flight he was taking.

Spotted Yinge added: '@AppleSupport idea for the iPhone XS: USB type C connector, ditch the Lightning. Come on @Apple, let’s put the U back into USB!'

‏One example of the sort of problems customers could face was outlined by Twitter user Vittorio, who found he could not connect his iPhone to a charging port on a flight he was taking.

He added: 'Well, I am kind of screwed. Brought only the high speed charger for the iPhone but the stupid cable is USB-C, which means that it won’t go in the USB power plug in my airplane seat.

'Cautionary tale on “better standards” - the best standard is the one you can use.'

The rumoured move to USB-C for the charging cable comes as Apple eradicated all USB-A ports from its MacBook Pro and 12-inch MacBook notebook lines.

The latest designs of both notebooks exclusively use USB-C to charge and sync data.

Following the launch of the redesigned 12-inch MacBook and MacBook Pro, those who wanted to connect their iPhone to the notebook was forced to buy a separate cable from the Apple Store for £19 ($19).

If the latest leak is accurate, the change to the bundled charging cable shipped with the new iPhone will eradicate these inconsistencies across Apple's product line.