https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/10/14/wiznet-w55rp20-evb-pico-board-features-w55rp20-sip-with-w5500-ethernet-controller-and-rp2040-mcu/
We have gone from giant USB-A to the slim USB-C and converters are available. We have mini Display Port and converters are available. Why has no one tried to miniaturize RJ45?
Since making the connectors smaller also makes them less robust, why take on that tradeoff in the absence of a clear benefit?
I understand that R-Pis and the like appear to be an exception, but they don't represent the amount of marketshare required to spur the sort of industry movement needed to develop Yet Another Standard.
I literally don't remember the last time I charged my iPhone by plugging it in - there are even inductive power banks available now.
USB and DP is driven by the demand for slimmer devices, and we don't need RJ45 on these devices... we use Wi-Fi.
You literally can train anyone, as non-tech as possible, to crimp 8 wires with a $5 tool in 5-10 minutes.
The last time before that was when I was working as an IT tech in high school 20 years ago.
But yeah - I'm not even sure if "normal" people know you can make your own cables.
I work on this stuff all day, every day and I can't tell you why we're still using RJ-45.
I could see FttD (Fiber to the Desktop) happen, but it will swap out these problems with new problems.
Also RJ45 is in fact already a minaturized/standardized alternative to various proprietary/national phone connectors that preceded it, and the basic idea was to be able to repurpose existing phone twisted pair installations for ethernet. Also, it can be made pretty small if actually needed, see the Xircom RealPort adapters from back in the day.
As far as big / bulky / annoying connectors, go, RJ45 is very low down my list.