Intel Touts USB-C as Future of Digital Audio as Apple Set to Ditch Headphone Jack

[MacRumors]

While the consensus is that Apple will remove the 3.5mm headphone jack on new iPhones unveiled next month, in favor of an all-in-one Lightning connector for audio output, charging, and accessory connectivity, Intel continues to position USB-C as the open standard of the future for digital audio.

At IDF 2016 this week, CNET reports that Intel architect Brad Saunders addressed the USB Type-C Digital Audio specification due this quarter, noting that its improved power management for USB headphones and other new features "will really make USB Type-C the right connector for audio."

Apple has adopted USB-C on the 12-inch MacBook, but new iPhones are expected to retain the proprietary Lightning connector in lieu of the open standard. USB-C, meanwhile, continues to see wider adoption in popular Android-based smartphones like Google's Nexus 6P and Samsung's Galaxy Note 7.

Apple has equipped its mobile devices with proprietary connectors for over a decade, including the 30-pin dock connector used for iPhone, iPad, and iPod models between 2003 and 2012. Apple's notebooks, beyond the 12-inch MacBook, are also equipped with a proprietary MagSafe connector for charging.

For that reason, it is likely that Apple will continue to favor Lightning over USB-C for at least the foreseeable future.

Article Link: Intel Touts USB-C as Future of Digital Audio as Apple Set to Ditch Headphone Jack

 

[Donoban]

USB C for iPhone 7 confirmed

 

[smacrumon]

When Lightning was introduced, it was described as being the way forward for the next ten years. I wonder if it will see out the ten years or will something else replace it? Could Lightning be discarded in favour of wireless everything?

 

[Derekuda]

I don't care what Apple or Intel says. I WON'T be buying any phone that does not include a headphone jack.

 

[S.B.G]

For that reason, it is likely that Apple will continue to favor Lightning over USB-C for at least the foreseeable future.

That's what I expect to see happening too. I like the idea of using open standard's like USB-C across all devices, Apple just doesn't always play well with others in this regard.

 

[applesith]

Apple loves its proprietary connections for iPhone and iPad. I can't see them making a change to USB-C.

 

[HarryPot]

The way Apple has made choices lately is strange.

If they are using USB-C in the MB (and I believe the MBP and the MBA are going that way, eventually), why not also use it for the iPhone/iPad?

Or if Lighting offers more advantages vs USB-C, why not use it in their laptops?

 

[reallynotnick]

Yeah it'd almost be acceptable to replace the headphone jack with a universal wired standard such as USB-C but replacing it with Lighting and Bluetooth is terrible.

 

[djeeyore25]

I wouldn't mind losing the headphone jack as much if Apple switched to USB-C. At least it'd be a more universal standard than Lightning.

 

[iamnotme]

I'm not emotionally attached to 3.5mm audio jacks but I can foresee a lot of old headphones going into the landfill which will only take about 3 billion years to decompose.

 

[blacktape242]

so soon all my lightening cables will be useless and I'm going to have to buy all new cables for my iPhone....again?

 

[2010mini]

They should move to usb c. Why just have it on the MB and ATV?

 

[Gudi]

And where is the "I will switch to Samsung" crowd now?

 

[Avieshek]

Lightning is more compact.

 

[MacDarcy]

Just like the floppy disc, people will bemoan the removal of the traditional headphone jack...but in time, ALL other smartphone makers will follow Apples lead.

 

[Grimace]

If the 30-Pin Dock Connector was replaced by a USB-C connector years ago (with no lightning connector in the middle) -- people would probably embrace this more. It's only been a few years, and connector fatigue is hard when you buy lots of accessories.

 

[gigapocket1]

Can they make a port that works wiyh both. Usbc amf lightening?

 

[Bryan Bowler]

Apple is going to surprise everyone by going to FireWire on the iPhone 7!

 

[keysofanxiety]

If somebody posts that XKCD comic about 'standards' again...

 

[bluespark]

Yeah it'd almost be acceptable to replace the headphone jack with a universal wired standard such as USB-C but replacing it with Lighting and Bluetooth is terrible.

USB-C might actually create some buzz around this phone. There would be plenty of grumbling about a new connector, but there also would be a surge of cool new headphones based on the USB-C standard and people would be buying them because they wouldn't fear lock-in. That, in turn, would make the iPhone seem at least somewhat forward-looking. By contrast, there is no way I will *ever* buy Lightning headphones, even if I stick with iPhone.

 

[mdelvecchio]

all right people, time to prove you aren't Apple haters -- gotta rage out on Intel now, too, right?!
[doublepost=1471443458][/doublepost]

I'm not emotionally attached to 3.5mm audio jacks but I can foresee a lot of old headphones going into the landfill which will only take about 3 billion years to decompose.

do you complain about all the rest of consumer goods that go into landfill? DVD players, vcrs, tvs, etc etc

 

[pat500000]

I don't care what Apple or Intel says. I WON'T be buying any phone that does not include a headphone jack.

Even if Tim says, "it's gonna be amazing product" during keynote?

 

[solamar]

That's what I expect to see happening too. I like the idea of using open standard's like USB-C across all devices, Apple just doesn't always play well with others in this regard.

Considering that Apple basically designed the USB-C standard (they pushed it hard when they joined the standards group).. I would not be surprised if they intended to move over to it at some point..

In fact, based on the format, you could have a USB-C cable that doubles as a Lighting cable with no adaptors.. they are the same prongs.. just a matter of what chip and connectors do what..

What I fully expect to see is a new iPhone that supports both USB-C and Lighting in the same port.

 

[iamnotme]

Even if Tim says, "it's gonna be amazing product" during keynote?

Do they ever use the word "amazing" NAAAHHH I've never heard that.

 

[coolfactor]

Can they make a port that works wiyh both. Usbc amf lightening?

That's my thought, too.... but I think it would not be possible given that they are inverse designs (male / female).