There is a small groove, which is also a patent to prevent the connector from falling off when inserted. There is a flexible base, which can prevent it from being unusable after being pulled out continuously. This is its patent. The protective shell is a whole, or two shells are welded with metal, leaving no trace after welding, which is also its patent. This small product uses such a patent protection layout, which seems to me to be very comprehensive.
From a professional point of view, Apple's patent layout will protect intellectual property rights from product structure and manufacturing methods, including the encapsulation method of colloid. There is also the peripheral structure of the product, because it not only protects the connector, but also protects all the peripherals of the connector, including audio cables, optical cables and card readers. More than 95% of customers will ignore the protection of the circuit.