A year after iPhone 7 omitted headphone jack, do you care? (a friendly wager)

[The-Real-Deal82]

This may sound frivolous, but what I don't like about the adapter, it Adds more length to the headphone cord as it already is. It just looks kind of awkward with the adapter attached to the cord. Not a big deal by any means, but I haven't lost any adapters yet.

I think the adapter was a cheap workaround for Apple to be honest. I can use Bluetooth headphones and wired headphones on my iPhone 6S but on a 7 I have to use a flimsy adaptor to achieve the same thing? They marketed it as a move towards the future and pushed AirPods for £159 at the same time? Subtle.. lol

What an absolute load of bollocks. People bought into this though and it's quite evident. Let's have a bit of choice back and embrace technology that is far from extinct.

 

[44267547]

I think the adapter was a cheap workaround for Apple to be honest. I can use Bluetooth headphones and wired headphones on my iPhone 6S but on a 7 I have to use a flimsy adaptor to achieve the same thing? They marketed it as a move towards the future and pushed AirPods for £159 at the same time? Subtle.. lol

What an absolute load of bollocks. People bought into this though and it's quite evident. Let's have a bit of choice back and embrace technology that is far from extinct.

I do give Apple credit for providing the adapter, when I didn't have to. And They will likely include it again this year. But the AirPods were there vision for Bluetooth. They work well. But they're not for everybody understandably.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I do give Apple credit for providing the adapter, when I didn't have to. And They will likely include it again this year. But the AirPods were there vision for Bluetooth. They work well. But they're not for everybody understandably.

I think Apple 'did' have to offer an adapter due to it being such a change in direction. It would have been a PR headache if they hadn't. Let's not forget Apple need consumers more than consumers need Apple and providing a decent product and service is the key to continued success.

The only person I know who bought a pair of AirPods lost one of the earpieces at the gym. An expensive mistake. I'd probably end up doing the same as I either lose or break a set of wired headphones every 4 or so months.

 

[0970373]

I was a little annoyed at first but honestly, I love my AirPods and BeatsX earphones. The wireless experience is a game changer for me. I've seen the light! lol. Only problem is when I get on an airplane and forget my 3.5mm jack headphones or BT adapter so I have to use the awful airline ones. I really love being able to charge my AirPods/BeatsX with the same cable as my iPhone.
[doublepost=1503431449][/doublepost]

I have a long commute and a car without bluetooth. I can't charge and listen to music simultaneously. I realize it's not everyone's situation, but I miss it daily.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Re...1503432134&sr=1-5&keywords=bluetooth+receiver

 

[44267547]

I think Apple 'did' have to offer an adapter due to it being such a change in direction. It would have been a PR headache if they hadn't. Let's not forget Apple need consumers more than consumers need Apple and providing a decent product and service is the key to continued success.

The only person I know who bought a pair of AirPods lost one of the earpieces at the gym. An expensive mistake. I'd probably end up doing the same as I either lose or break a set of wired headphones every 4 or so months.

I don't think Apple is too worried or concerned about every move they make for consumer backlash. They have never been a company that isn't afraid to take certain measures with technology that other manufactures have not. Rather or not everyone agrees with that or not, is entirely up to them. And I think that's been clear with the headphone jack, 30 Pin, etc. It's also Speculation if Apple had not provided the adapter or not, which was certainly not Obligatory. If they had not, yes, there would have been resentment from consumers. But again, that doesn't mean it was mandatory that they had to do that. It's just a means of providing a gateway for others headphones for The sake of convenience. The same argument could be made when They stop providing the adapter eventually as well future iPhone releases.



And as far as the AirPods or someone losing one or the other, that's pure negligence. Even if it is an accident, it's their own doing. I would say the majority who use AirPods, have no issue with misplacing them or losing them entirely. It's just taking responsibility for your property. But give credit where it's due, and Apple releasing the feature for finding the lost AirPod alert. Otherwise, they could easily be misplaced, but that could apply to any personal items someone owns with a phone, keys, etc.

 

[psxp]

I know several people who had Iphones since the 3GS switch to a Samsung device because it had the headphone port.

I've been using BT for a while, but I will miss the headphone port as a backup. :-(

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I don't think Apple is too worried or concerned about every move they make for consumer backlash. They have never been a company that isn't afraid to take certain measures with technology that other manufactures have not. Rather or not everyone agrees with that or not, is entirely up to them. And I think that's been clear with the headphone jack, 30 Pin, etc. It's also Speculation if Apple had not provided the adapter or not, which was certainly not Obligatory. If they had not, yes, there would have been resentment from consumers. But again, that doesn't mean it was mandatory that they had to do that. It's just a means of providing a gateway for others headphones for The sake of convenience. The same argument could be made when They stop providing the adapter eventually as well future iPhone releases.

I view it a little differently of late in light of them pursuing many features rivals have been releasing for years. I think 2014 was a massive turning point where we saw Apple going against many of the statements they'd made previously. Their approach to making stark decisions that affect consumers worked well when they were market leaders, but they haven't held this mantle for a few years now. They adapted to their position by 'implementing other manufacturers features, but doing it better' rather than leading the way. I've felt their arrogance towards innovation of late has harmed their standing within the market.

I still feel the loss of the headphone jack has affected sales despite them still being at a satisfactory level. Last year was the first time in the UK where the iPhone did not run into shortages after launch. I don't know if that says much when combined with the personal observations of less newer iPhones out in the wild, but this could also be a lot to do with pricing.

And as far as the AirPods or someone losing one or the other, that's pure negligence. Even if it is an accident, it's their own doing. I would say the majority who use AirPods, have no issue with misplacing them or losing them entirely. It's just taking responsibility for your property. But give credit where it's due, and Apple releasing the feature for finding the lost AirPod alert. Otherwise, they could easily be misplaced, but that could apply to any personal items someone owns with a phone, keys, etc.

Of course, but we are all guilty of negligence. Some negligence is more expensive than others. How my iPhone is still intact is anyone's guess. I drop it at least once a day and my children play with it. Thankfully it's got a good case.

 

[Complex757]

I think there was one time where my wireless earbuds were dead and I was SOL with no dongle for my spares.

Otherwise I've been fine. I have a pair of PowerBeats for the gym and some BeatsX.

 

[klky]

I wasn't concerned that Apple ditched the headphone jack.

I use Shure SE846 earphones which use the MMCX standard. I am able to switch between a bluetooth cable or Shure's own lightning cable.

 

[wacky4alanis]

Just went on a trip and forgot to pack my headphones. My wife had an extra pair, but that didn't help because she has a 6S+ (and therefore uses normal headphones).

 

[segundo]

Just went on a trip and forgot to pack my headphones. My wife had an extra pair, but that didn't help because she has a 6S+ (and therefore uses normal headphones).

And honestly, that's pretty damn lame, no matter how you slice it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Just went on a trip and forgot to pack my headphones. My wife had an extra pair, but that didn't help because she has a 6S+ (and therefore uses normal headphones).

And honestly, that's pretty damn lame, no matter how you slice it.

Yeah this is one of those scenarios where the loss of headphone jack creates more of a problem. My father in law was rushed into hospital a few weeks back and while we were visiting he asked for some headphones for his phone. Although they cost me £15 I was able to get a set from the hospital shop. I'm not convinced they'd sell adapters for iPhone 7's? It's annoying something that is still so widely standard has been removed. It's rather lame whichever way they decide to market it.

 

[PaulKemp]

As tech moves forward, and since Apple actually took the plunge and removed the jack (I believe they were first), we now see very reasonable priced bluetooth IEMs. I see some as low as 15$£€ prince range. Very nice. I doubt that would be the case if phone makers did not remove the jack.

This said, I personlly loose the headsets all the time, so I prefer getting super cheap ones to use. So id rather not pay the price of AirPods. Also, I dont charge at night, so I need to charge at work / computer. So in my usecase, I HAVE to get a pair of wireless ones.

 

[johannnn]

At first I use the lighting EarPods. Then I bought the AirPods.
I'm all for thinner phones with less ports.
I want to see all energy from Apple going to innovation, and not keeping compatibility with old tech/software (like e.g. MS)

 

[akash.nu]

As tech moves forward, and since Apple actually took the plunge and removed the jack (I believe they were first), we now see very reasonable priced bluetooth IEMs. I see some as low as 15$£€ prince range. Very nice. I doubt that would be the case if phone makers did not remove the jack.

This said, I personlly loose the headsets all the time, so I prefer getting super cheap ones to use. So id rather not pay the price of AirPods. Also, I dont charge at night, so I need to charge at work / computer. So in my usecase, I HAVE to get a pair of wireless ones.

And the quality of sound on those £15 headphones are so horrible that I'd rather just sing myself or beatbox.

 

[AfroAbel]

One word. AirPods.

 

[Dented]

Here in the UK, one of the big mobile phone retailers Carphone Warehouse posted poor results, and the BBC no less published a story which essentially blames this on the idea that nobody wants to buy an iPhone without a headphone jack -

Why does no-one want a new phone these days?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41036781

I think this is exaggerated but the fact they'd even publish such a piece tells you that this is still a live issue for many people.

For me, yes it still matters. There is not and never has been a good reason for the consumer to choose a phone without the jack; Apple's move simply took away functionality in return for nothing whatsoever of any substance. Yes wireless headphones exist, but they existed long before the iPhone 7 and worked perfectly with iPhone's long before the 7; taking the jack away had no effect on that. If AirPods are so great then put them out alongside an iPhone with a jack and allow people to make the choice; when more people are choosing AirPods that's the time to retire the jack, not before.

Bottom line - I recently needed to upgrade, seriously considered the 7, but the lack of a jack still counted heavily against it in my mind - quite happy I chose the SE instead.

 

[miamialley]

Two words: No and Airpods.

AirPods are amazing.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Here in the UK, one of the big mobile phone retailers Carphone Warehouse posted poor results, and the BBC no less published a story which essentially blames this on the idea that nobody wants to buy an iPhone without a headphone jack -

Why does no-one want a new phone these days?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41036781

I think this is exaggerated but the fact they'd even publish such a piece tells you that this is still a live issue for many people.

For me, yes it still matters. There is not and never has been a good reason for the consumer to choose a phone without the jack; Apple's move simply took away functionality in return for nothing whatsoever of any substance. Yes wireless headphones exist, but they existed long before the iPhone 7 and worked perfectly with iPhone's long before the 7; taking the jack away had no effect on that. If AirPods are so great then put them out alongside an iPhone with a jack and allow people to make the choice; when more people are choosing AirPods that's the time to retire the jack, not before.

Bottom line - I recently needed to upgrade, seriously considered the 7, but the lack of a jack still counted heavily against it in my mind - quite happy I chose the SE instead.

I saw that article shared in another thread but personally think price was the deciding factor with the iPhone 7. Handset price and contract prices shot up last September, I remember as it was my turn to upgrade. When I upgraded to the 6S, part of the reason was the headphone jack but price was key. The guy in Carphone warehouse at the time told me they'd suddenly sold a lot of the 6S too. Sales figures for the iPhone 7 have been poor and I doubt the iPhone 8 will do much better. People are either buying older or trying cheaper alternatives.

 

[Reno Raines]

My blue tooth headphones literally just died. Luckily I am at home. I hope if Apple updates the SE they leave the 3.5mm jack in that phone. That way we have an option. I have a 7 and an SE and I just still really like the headphone jack.

 

[smbu2000]

I still wish the 7 series had a headphone jack. The lightning-headphone adapter that came with my 7 plus stopped working about 4-5 months...Ended up picking up some Bluetooth headphones after. Ended up misplacing them.

Ended up picking up a used 64gb 5s, which has become my main music player and backup phone if I ever need it. It's just so much more convenient having a headphone jack.

 

[Scarlet Siren]

I still use the iPhone 6s plus and have been using wireless earphones for over a year. Once I upgrade to the iPhone 8 I don't think it'll be much of a difference for me. I quite like it, my colleagues were intrigued as to how I could listen to music without plugging in earphone to my phone.

 

[akash.nu]

I still use the iPhone 6s plus and have been using wireless earphones for over a year. Once I upgrade to the iPhone 8 I don't think it'll be much of a difference for me. I quite like it, my colleagues were intrigued as to how I could listen to music without plugging in earphone to my phone.

If your colleagues are surprised about that then honestly I won't be impressed with their opinion.

 

[firewire9000]

Having a 7 Plus since November and I don’t care about headphone jack, AirPods are one of the best products that Apple has ever made.

 

[joeblow7777]

I'm glad that people like the AirPods, I really am, but surely people realize that removing the headphone jack was all part of a plan to sell you these expensive marvels.

Apple can talk about "courage" and innovation all they want, but it's pretty obvious that they wanted to raise demand for an upcoming product.