Apple May Replace 3.5mm Headphone Jack on iPhone 7 With All-in-One Lightning Connector

[igorsky]

Fine with me.

This is going to be an awesome thread to read in a few days. The amount of "I'll switch to Android!!!" Always cracks me up.

Seriously. Change is part of life...suck it up and adapt.

 

[smulji]

LOL. Time to go back to basics.

Again, this move has absolutely nothing to do with high-resolution audio.

you keep saying that but you don't provide any reasoning or evidence why

 

[smulji]

Not sure why anyone think moving the DAC into the headphones would be a good thing in any way. In another news... Is this the third or fourth year in a row for this rumor? How long has lightning been out? Apple may eventually do this , but it would be a bad idea. Not kill the company bad, but usability frustrate 99% of your customers bad.

We have hope since they recognized the folly in this with the MacBook. On the flip side recent versions of Bluetooth seem to have the video synch thing cracked so maybe they think that is enough of an alternative.

what folly with the MB?

 

[dgdosen]

• I'd rather Apple finally moved to using usb-type C, or is that too big ?

I wouldn't think size is a matter with USB C - and I'd think Apple would migrate iOS devices to use USB C in the near future.

I'd hate to buy lightning headphones - I'm sure they'd be obsolete (or out of date) in a year.

 

[farewelwilliams]

Your first comment said "actually, this would make sense if iPhone is moving towards wireless charging"

Your second comment says "you use bluetooth for audio and you charge via lightning port."

You seem to have deviated from your initial opinion, or got confused. Wireless charging requires a pad, lightning requires the cable. If you have the pad (wireless charging), you can use the lightning port for audio. If you have bluetooth headphones, then you can use the lightning cable to charge. Both of those are true. If you don't bring your wireless charging pad with you though (I don't know anyone who ever does that), and you don't want poor bluetooth quality music quality (I listen to 320kbps, because lower quality songs are noticeable to me; therefore I prefer direct 3.5mm jack for my music), then you have to make a decision between charging, and playing music. Also, not everyone has bluetooth headphones, or wants to use that.

i haven't deviated from my initial opinion. just because lightning audio is available doesn't mean you are prohibited from bluetooth audio. you have two ways to listen to audio (bluetooth or wire) and two ways to charge (wireless or wire).

and i'm pretty sure there will be adapters that allow you to use headphones + charging wire at the same time. take a look at the lightning digital AV. it has a port for hdmi and a lightning port so you can plug in an hdmi for video out while charging at the same time.

so my initial opinion still stands.

and the bluetooth 4.0 spec has plenty of bandwidth to send over lossless audio, it's up to the bluetooth receiver to decide what type of compression to use. i don't know if a lossless bluetooth headphones exists, but it's entirely possible with the current technology (but I'd imagine that's a huge drain on battery)

 

[cult hero]

Every time there's a port change people freak out about adapters. I actually like limited "super" ports with adapters. Thunderbolt and charging over USB-C is going to rule on laptops and I like the same thing for my phone. Go wireless if you don't like wires, otherwise, deal with an adapter or get another phone. This is typical Apple.

(And don't buy Apple adapters. They're always absurdly overpriced.)

 

[farewelwilliams]

(And don't buy Apple adapters. They're always absurdly overpriced.)

no, actually please do buy Apple Adapters. I can't tell you how much $$$ i lost from buying generic (Apple Certified) adapters. some failed to work after an iOS update, others break easily. I just buy Apple adapters from now on and if they do break, I get them replaced without question at the genius bar.

 

[fpnc]

I guess this means that Apple is going to remove the speakers from the iPhone too, since that is a too big, analog audio output also. So, we'll have to plug in a dongle to hear our phone ring or to hear the person on the other end of the line. Makes about as much sense as this rumor about the headphone jack.

What most seem to be ignoring is that the Lightning connector is going away, to be replace by USB-C. In fact, this change could be the source of this rumor, just badly interpreted. However, after USB-C things could go completely wireless -- WiFi for local video and data, Bluetooth for audio, and wireless charging.

 

[Col4bin]

Reminder that it's the 3.5 mm headphone jack that's the sole reason the iPhone is so thick.

So thick?? The iPhone 6S is more than thin enough already. Any thinner and it will be like talking to someone with a credit card.

You want to cut excess waste in the iPhone? Start with those eyesore bezels.

 

[geenosr]

I know what Apple is going to do........They are going to build a big battery inside the beats

headphones (with lightning connector) and put a solar panel on the top headband to keep it

charged!!! All Problems Solved!!

 

[BenTrovato]

It's so weird how people get upset when we say we're leaving apple. It's a bad move. I like Apple products, but the headphone jack is a deal breaker no matter how bad the alternatives are.

Yes you do. All the time. It's a phone.

Always wired headphones or speakerphone sorry.

 

[Gudi]

I wouldn't think size is a matter with USB C - and I'd think Apple would migrate iOS devices to use USB C in the near future. I'd hate to buy lightning headphones - I'm sure they'd be obsolete (or out of date) in a year.

{SNIP} Size is the matter with USB-C and three years ago, when Apple introduced the Lightning port, they said they plan to use it for at least a decade. Not to mention the iPad Pro, this year saw no less than five new Lightning powered accessories: Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad 2, Magic Mouse 2, iPhone Lightning Dock and Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock.

So if you didn't get the message: The Lightning port is here to stay!

 

[lincolntran]

Typical, apple loves you. I just dumped iphone for android and I think the phone looks better plus android is a FAR higher user experience. Ios is just a bleak os for apps blindingly white, android is highly customizable and adds much to the user experience. Lollipop is FAR better than the android I left for apple and no comparison in the user experience. Smooth, fluid and the os IS part of the user experience where ios is not.



This is, UH, a rumors site. Macrumors is the name even. People discuss and freak out over rumers, that's how it works.

Your androids experience is totally different than mine. So, use what make you happy. iOS makes me happy so I use it. Why are you calling me typical? Or do you think you have better judgement than me bc you ditched iOS for androids?

 

[\-V-/]

Unlike your assumption, I've used many different platforms and found that the iPhone and iOS work best for me. So, I'm using what makes me happy.

Really? Many different platforms? You use Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) yet? I feel like I can safely bet that you haven't.

I agree, the high end androids phones are looking pretty good lately

That's a complete contradiction to what you previously stated.

but the OS is just so average that I can't tolerate.

Would you care to explain what exactly makes it "average?" Is it the plethora of extra features, usability, and customization over iOS that makes it average? What's the last Android OS you used exactly and on what device? Also, please do tell me what advantages iOS 9 has over Android 6. Humor me.

Until that change, I don't think it'll ever happy with androids. Not only the user experience, I've known many androids developers, they told me the implementation of androids architecture and design is even worse than they thought.

Right. This sounds entirely made up. "I know some like ... developers and stuff ... and they said like ... things are bad or something." Very descriptive.

On the other hand, I think the headphone jack is going away for good. It's a very old tech and Apple loves to get rid of old tech, like floppy, cd, dvd, etc....you're fighting an uphill battle my friend.

Apple doesn't do things in the best interest of their customers ... they just do what they want ... and planned obsolescence is the cornerstone of their business model. Removing the jack isn't because of aging tech. It's to sell more dongles ... if this rumor is even true in the first place, which I hope it isn't. Nobody is fighting any battle, really. They can just change platforms if Apple isn't giving them what they want. When you have to spend $2500 dollars just to get a discrete GPU in an Apple laptop ... well ... if that doesn't say something about Apple I don't know what does. Or the fact that they use mobile GPUs in their iMacs because they can't fit anything else due to their pursuit of thinness.



I have absolutely no problem with anyone enjoying iOS, but I do have an issue with people spouting baseless claims.

 

[Burger Thing]

From an audio quality standpoint, it really makes no difference - the existing lightning port is already able to output a digital signal to an outboard DAC which allows you to use the iPhone as a pure 'transport' that does nothing but deliver the raw data to the outboard DAC and amplifier of your choice. However, this is awkward and bulky in the best of times - there are some that are meant to be used in-line with your headphones, but they are rare, and still you have a large bulge hanging off your phone.

The huge downside is that every pair of headphones people have will no longer be compatible with the iPhone without using some sort of lightning adapter which will have to include a DAC, making it bulky and expensive (see the existing lightning to 30-pin adapters, which include a DAC to get an idea of what this will look like). Since the vast majority of users get by with lightweight earbuds, now those earbuds would either need such an adapter or have this $30 part built-in which adds cost and complexity. Given that the iPhone by and large has an above-average DAC and amplifier for a portable device, any such adapter is likely to reduce quality rather than improve it. Right now the iPhone is a fabulous portable music device because it can drive even expensive in-ear monitors which are very sensitive to hiss perfectly silently. Relying on an external converter would be a disaster.

This post should be made a sticky for some of the ignorant posters here not being able to grasp the basics. But unfortunately, 2 - 3 pages down in the thread, some peeps will start writing nonsense again about how the current 3.5 mm is obsolete and old technology because it's analog and should be replaced by something High Res bla bla bla 192 kHZ bla bla bla digital output.

The frightening thought is, though, that if Apple gets rid of the 3.5 mm jack, they would run a few slides with Phil Schiller and a bloomy video with white background, narrated by Ive and 80% of the gang here would think it's the best move ever and happily spend 49 $ every six months to replace the constantly braking lighting adapter cables.

Some would actually pay 109 $ for some after market 'digital' dongles which promise HD Sound quality

Then, equally annoying: the repeated drivel that the iPhone could be made a mm thinner without the 3.5 mm port.

For all the thinness obsessed MR participants here: *NEWSFLASH*. Good news, yes, *GASP*, it can be made thinner *EVEN* with a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Just have a look at iPod Touches and Nanos.

you keep saying that but you don't provide any reasoning or evidence why

Oh, there has been plenty. It's probably just you being ignorant or not being able to understand of what's being said. My guess is, there is a complete lack of knowledge on your part about how sound is generated by a device and received by your ears.

 

[amirite]

Why use an adapter when you can just keep the {SNIP} port you are adapting to?

Because they can't. They can't keep the {SNIP} port they're adapting to while also making the phone thinner.

Also they won't do this without wireless charging.

 

[emailnotebox]

Fine with me.

This is going to be an awesome thread to read in a few days. The amount of "I'll switch to Android!!!" Always cracks me up.

Its part of economy we are living in really. If products with better value appear or value of current product deminishes, consumers behave accordingly. What they value, no one can dictate . consumers comes and goes on both sides according to their need.

 

[Burger Thing]

Because they can't. They can't keep the {SNIP} port they're adapting to while also making the phone thinner.

Also they won't do this without wireless charging.

The iPod Nano has the {SNIP} port and is substantially thinner than an iPhone.

 

[pacalis]

Can they make it 4 mm thinner and give us 4 adapters?

 

[kironin]

So no connection to the car stereo because driving a car is so last decade...

you, not connecting to your car stereo via bluetooth is so last decade ... :-/

 

[MarkusL]

As upset as I am about this, I'm saving my hate for Apple until the day when they actually release such a bizarre device. I'm not prepared to believe this rumor yet.

 

[Boxcar Edit]

At a party: "Here, let's listen to my playlist. We'll just plug in your cab...wait...oh, yeah."

I was just thinking yesterday that the 3.5 standard hasn't changed in forever but realized it's one thing that needs to be really, really universal.

Guessing most of us don't want to be trying to remember — and find — another adapter.

And yes, Apple, hear us: Weeks of battery life on one charge before you make it any thinner.

 

[lincolntran]

Wow, you actually spent time adding quote to my post to separate them out in to different points so you can counter. Ok, as a token of professionalism, I'll return the favor by giving you my reasons. See my inline answers in your post below.

Really? Many different platforms? You use Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) yet? I feel like I can safely bet that you haven't.
----> I didn't spend a lot of time with 6, I spent a bit of time. I spent a couple of hours with it, checking through features that I care about. They still haven't been improved yet, so it's not up to my standard yet.

That's a complete contradiction to what you previously stated.
----> It's not a contradiction at all, what I meant was that the hardware on high end androids phones are nice. The OS is still not up to par.

Would you care to explain what exactly makes it "average?" Is it the plethora of extra features, usability, and customization over iOS that makes it average? What's the last Android OS you used exactly and on what device? Also, please do tell me what advantages iOS 9 has over Android 6. Humor me.
----> There're plenty of features on androids, however, features that I care about are still not up to par with iOS. They're still average to me. (1) First thing is customization. It's an old argument and one that I don't care about. You can do plenty of things in iOS now. I don't spend hours trying to customize my phone. I want to use it to get things done and put it away. So, customization, while cool for some people, but doesn't impress me and thus not a selling point for me. (2) I played around with 6.0, looking for better animations but it's not there. For example, bouncing at the end of the scroll view is one of the best features on iOS. Androids still don't have anything close to it. It may have a "color flash" when you get to the bottom, but the scroll just end very abruptly. This is VERY bad feedback to the user, at least for me. People just learned to get used to it. Animation in 5 & 6 are still abrupt. Most things just pop in and out of nowhere without origination points. (3) resource consumption is another thing. Androids is way behind iOS in term of resource management and power consumption. With iOS, you now have much smaller app size instead of just include everything no matter what device you run it on. So, that's another androids average for me. I could tell you more, but let's move on to other points.


Right. This sounds entirely made up. "I know some like ... developers and stuff ... and they said like ... things are bad or something." Very descriptive.
----> I'm an iOS dev and my colleagues are Androids devs. We talk very honestly with each other about pro and cons of both iOS and Androids. They told me that the animation engine in Androids are very inconsistent from one version to the next and even from one part to another. Basically, there're around 5 different ways you can animate things in Androids, however, not all 5 will works in all situation. You just have to try it or learn from experience. They told me that in 6, the engine is a little better now. In iOS, animation engine is just so mature that everything is very well built and works in all cases. They also told me that the network framework in Androids is also very bad. Basically, the networking code in Androids are inefficient and not reliable in making network connections. There're lots of workarounds they have to put in to make things work consistently. They even hate it themselve. Google is not much help for Androids Devs.


Apple doesn't do things in the best interest of their customers ... they just do what they want ... and planned obsolescence is the cornerstone of their business model. Removing the jack isn't because of aging tech. It's to sell more dongles ... if this rumor is even true in the first place, which I hope it isn't. Nobody is fighting any battle, really. They can just change platforms if Apple isn't giving them what they want. When you have to spend $2500 dollars just to get a discrete GPU in an Apple laptop ... well ... if that doesn't say something about Apple I don't know what does. Or the fact that they use mobile GPUs in their iMacs because they can't fit anything else due to their pursuit of thinness.
----> Like you said, Apple do what they want. We can either stay with them or move on to others. The thing is that they have many things that are just so good that make people tolerate the things that people don't like. We can argue about their choice of hardware all day and I don't think I'll disagree with you on many things, but it'll all come down to the software, which people will use and Apple software is very good, not the best, but very very good. Despite some of the recent big bugs (which all companies have, but people tend to blow things out of proportion when it comes to Apple), Apple ecosystem is very convenient and make people life a lot more efficient at getting things done, reliably. That's why they get to do what they want.


I have absolutely no problem with anyone enjoying iOS, but I do have an issue with people spouting baseless claims.
----> So you see, my claims are not baseless.

 

[nishmsho]

How to charge and use headphone at the same time without a big adapter pls.

 

[Mr. Buzzcut]

Some would actually pay 109 $ for some after market 'digital' dongles which promise HD Sound quality

I remember after CD audio was introduced a number of manufacturers followed-up with "digital" headphones. I have no doubt it can and will happen again. Sadly no one will stop for a second to think "hey, speakers that vibrate air are...analog!"