Apple Working on Wireless Earbuds With Custom Bluetooth Chip for Longer Battery Life

[Shirasaki]

It's cause headphones are ANALOGUE.....and right now today, you can block the 3.5mm jack with superglue and have your wonderful future where you can use BT or a headphone connected via lighting port TODAY! I use the lighting port to power a set of headphones .....TODAY!!

No No ....they are offering less choice! They are taking away choice , nothing new is added.

It amazes me that people yelling most about the removal of the 3.5mm jack cannot grasp the simple concept of digital to analogue . Wow.

Not only that, they choose to ignore the signal interference problem of all wireless technologies. They also forget the fact that even though too many cables will result in mess and confusion, cables have huge advantage on electrical and electronical signal stability.
Previously, old technology was replaced by newer, and cheaper technology. However wireless is more expensive. Using an expensive technology to replace cheap technology. I can only say: those companies JUST want profit. They innovate for innovate.

 

[MH01]

Are you joking? Never took off? 3D touch hasn't even been out a year.
[doublepost=1470379661][/doublepost]

I get what you're saying about losing functionality, but that's assuming they don't add anything. What if they pass analogue through the lightning port? I have a feeling they don't want to alienate their audiophile customers. Their job is to invent a new way that's better than the current. It's a high bill to pay, but I'm willing to see what they've got.

The audiophile community is fine, they stopped using the 3.5mm long time ago. Right now I use my

iPhone 6S plus + USB camera cable + chord mojo + heaphones

So digital out of the iPhone, into a DAC and into my heaphones, thus improving sound quality by a large margin cause the audio out is not via the iPhone DAC. The iPhone acts only as a digital transport.

As I said, this is present right now, I can see Apple offering some accessories that are improved on the USB camera cable and possible incorporating a DAC.

 

[rp2011]

reading this simpleton explanation, I deffo know a lot more than you on the subject.

It's called a DAC, it will still need to be present in the iPhone , and you will need another one in the chain to the heaphones.

lets do it this way genius, how is the removal of the 3.5mm benefiting the end user? By adding a second DAC I the chain? By adding price to headphones , by making lighting port heaphones not compatible with any other device ?? Do tell.

Or is it the ***** BT should quality compared to wired if you choose wireless.

Since this concept is way beyond you....remember when we moved from VGA to DVI and there was a benefit ....here we are moving from VGA to VGA via another adapter .... SOUND QUALItY will not improve.....so what's the benefit, you give Apple more money ?

No **** Sherlock. You add a DAC anywhere along the route before it hits your ear. So what are you babbling about. You knew the answer all along. Wtf makes the 3.5 jack the religious experience is what I am asking. It could go anywhere along the chain before it hits your ear.

 

[Exhale]

How will these work with video? Whenever I watch video using BT headphones the audio and video are never in sync.

Thats actually entirely down to iOS (and Mac OS). The delay you observe is caused by the audio buffer Bluetooth uses, and the size of that audio buffer is determined by the source device.

On Mac OS - you can change the buffer size using Bluetooth Explorer (for Xcode). Lowering the buffer size reduces the latency, but will result in more interruptions in areas with busy WiFi - particularly when moving. The latter is largely caused by whats called the Near-Far problem.

In reality, a buffer is required because non-regulated wireless networks are incapable of realtime performance; and the amount of time it will take before you can transmit a packet cannot be known in advance.

 

[rp2011]

Not only that, they choose to ignore the signal interference problem of all wireless technologies. They also forget the fact that even though too many cables will result in mess and confusion, cables have huge advantage on electrical and electronical signal stability.
Previously, old technology was replaced by newer, and cheaper technology. However wireless is more expensive. Using an expensive technology to replace cheap technology. I can only say: those companies JUST want profit. They innovate for innovate.

Nonsense. So what about lightning or USBc? Ah you're putting yourself into a tighter and tighter box of nonsense

 

[rctlr]

So many people here upset by this.
There is only one real thing people can do if they are unhappy with Apples decision to drop the jack from the iPhone7, and thats move onto another platform or not update.
Im sure iPhone 5s,SE,and the 4 variations of 6 will still work after the iphone7 is released.
Vote with your feet people.

 

[MH01]

No **** Sherlock. You add a DAC to the headphones. Do what are you babbling about. You knew the answer all along. Wtf makes the 3.5 jack the religious experience is what I am asking. It could go anywhere along the chain before it hits your ear.

Problem is that I suspect you don't get it. Cause if you did..... WTF would not want 2XDAC to use a pair of headphones. You understand the DAC remains in the iPhone right. ?

It's a money saving and money making exercise !!

The current solution is a lot more convinient !! And less messy and less expansive , when the end result is identical!!
[doublepost=1470382627][/doublepost]

Nonsense. So what about lightning or USBc? Ah you're putting yourself into a tighter and tighter box of nonsense

That solution exists today!!!! The iPhone 7 adds nothing to this!! Omg....

 

[tripmusic]

More like, "The way it works at Apple is if it doesn't work 50%, it gets cut,"

 

[Shirasaki]

Nonsense. So what about lightning or USBc? Ah you're putting yourself into a tighter and tighter box of nonsense

Ha. Lightning? USB-C? Oh, if everyone heads to a universal standard and abandon 3.5mm headphone jack then I can accept it, as this actually reduces the hassle of keeping multiple different types of cables for dedicated devices. This is innovation in good direction.
Again, see Wifi. This is currently the most mature wireless technology. But can it compete with Ethernet and phase it out? No. Bluetooth? Same situation or even worse.
Wireless is not here to REPLACE wire. It is here as wire COMPLEMENT. This is my point.
[doublepost=1470383962][/doublepost]

That solution exists today!!!! The iPhone 7 adds nothing to this!! Omg....

Not only Apple, but also the entire industry now is in favour of innovation JUST because they want innovation.
They don't bring anything cheaper and easier to use to customers. They bring the opposite.

 

[rp2011]

Problem is that I suspect you don't get it. Cause if you did..... WTF would not want 2XDAC to use a pair of headphones. You understand the DAC remains in the iPhone right. ?

It's a money saving and money making exercise !!

The current solution is a lot more convinient !! And less messy and less expansive , when the end result is identical!!
[doublepost=1470382627][/doublepost]

That solution exists today!!!! The iPhone 7 adds nothing to this!! Omg....

And the iPhone 7 is not even out yet and you know all this how?
And wtf do you care if Apple saves money on a redundant jack? We now have two ports that can do the same thing. What fool of a company would do this?

You've locked yourself in a box and just keep strangling yourself with a lack of logic.

 

[Shirasaki]

And wtf do you care if Apple saves money on a redundant jack?

Apple saves money on cheap headphone jack in favour of more expensive wireless headphone. Brilliant.

 

[Trius]

The audiophile community is fine, they stopped using the 3.5mm long time ago. Right now I use my

iPhone 6S plus + USB camera cable + chord mojo + heaphones

So digital out of the iPhone, into a DAC and into my heaphones, thus improving sound quality by a large margin cause the audio out is not via the iPhone DAC. The iPhone acts only as a digital transport.

As I said, this is present right now, I can see Apple offering some accessories that are improved on the USB camera cable and possible incorporating a DAC.

My mistake, I thought your comment about digital vs analog indicated that you preferred analog output via the 3.5. Not an audiophile myself, I've heard the DAC in the iPhone is decent. That being one of the complaints around the elimination of the 3.5 being that it would require an external DAC increasing headphone costs.

 

[MH01]

And the iPhone 7 is not even out yet and you know all this how?
And wtf do you care if Apple saves money on a redundant jack? We now have two ports that can do the same thing. What fool of a company would do this?

You've locked yourself in a box and just keep strangling yourself with a lack of logic.

I've explained it in a post above, but I doubt you understood it. Google chord mojo , they should have an explanation ....
In the simplest terms that might help you....the future you keep ranting about is here now....

Two ports that can do the same thing??? wow you really don't get it.
[doublepost=1470385594][/doublepost]

My mistake, I thought your comment about digital vs analog indicated that you preferred analog output via the 3.5. Not an audiophile myself, I've heard the DAC in the iPhone is decent. That being one of the complaints around the elimination of the 3.5 being that it would require an external DAC increasing headphone costs.

You are spot on . The iPhone has a very good DAC.

Apple still needs a DAC in the iPhone to power the speakers , but they can use a cheap one instead . The DAC heaphones can be moved to an accessory that plugs into the lighting port, or into the heaphone itself. Either way you will pay for the adapter with DAC or for a DAC in each headphone .

the more likely push is for people to purchase BT heaphones . One thing we do have to look forward to is improvements in BT audio.....in time it will hopefully match wired SQ.

Audiophiles though, don't use iPhones due to file support.

 

[GadgetBen]

Fantastic news.

This is a wake up call to all those Macrumors users who were crying about the headphone jack being removed and bluetooth not being good enough.

Apparently Apple are crazy to remove the headphone jack according to some. You all know better right?

 

[BMcCoy]

I don't think anyone would becry the loss of cables generally, and lament the headphone cable, IF the successor technology is free of downsides and loss-of-function.

But that's the issue at the moment - moving to wireless listening (and wireless charging for that matter) still comes with compromises and loss-of-function situations for many users. Which means that despite the benefits, the compromises will affect too many people. Not to mention cost.

So we need Apple et al to properly innovate in this space, and not just introduce a new standard and require people to adopt it.


We already have extremely good external DACs for mobile listening, such as the Audioquest Dragonfly DAC-to-3.5. So creating another lightning-to-3.5 DAC would be straightforward for Apple, but hardly innovative, and certainly not a step forward for the user.. who could already use such a device if they wished. But the loss of the 3.5 port, and leaving only this solution is just nonsense.

That's why I'm sure that at the September keynote for this new iPhone, it will be a wireless solution that Apple put forward as the new way. Whether that wireless solution achieves my requirements above, to be free of downsides and not lose function for users, remains to be seen. Like many here, I am sceptical. But let's stay hopeful, that they have figured this out properly.

The promo video will be easy - showing someone in a gym working out with their wireless AirPods in, versus other gym users getting their cables tangled in weights machines, etc!

But the test will be in the tech. The innovation. The multiple challenges of wireless technology, quality, interference, charging, etc.

If they have figured that out, then we just might see users of iPhone 5th and 6th gen suddenly also investing in these new wireless earphones! Unless it needs some new chip in the IPhone 7 to implement the new wireless audio technology..! Then we might just have the USP of the new iPhone!!

 

[rp2011]

I've explained it in a post above, but I doubt you understood it. Google chord mojo , they should have an explanation ....
In the simplest terms that might help you....the future you keep ranting about is here now....

Two ports that can do the same thing??? wow you really don't get it.
[doublepost=1470385594][/doublepost]

You are spot on . The iPhone has a very good DAC.

Apple still needs a DAC in the iPhone to power the speakers , but they can use a cheap one instead . The DAC heaphones can be moved to an accessory that plugs into the lighting port, or into the heaphone itself. Either way you will pay for the adapter with DAC or for a DAC in each headphone .

the more likely push is for people to purchase BT heaphones . One thing we do have to look forward to is improvements in BT audio.....in time it will hopefully match wired SQ.

Audiophiles though, don't use iPhones due to file support.

What complete nonsense.

And what "audiophile" depends on an a smartphone for their musical pleasure.

You have no clue to what you are talking about and regurgitate nonsense. Omfg lol

 

[ValO]

It's just like 3D Touch. A cockamamie scheme, but with no logic of reason behind it. Never took off.

It has one logic of reason.
To develop an iphone without mechanical buttons in the long run.
Even to get an in/on screen homebutton on the long run, to make iphones with bigger screens without big chins. It will allow them to give iphones bigger screens withoot increasing the size of the devices, give them a cleaner look and reduce mechical failure and wear.

 

[weckart]

Oh then we should just give up then. Because nothing will ever ever be better that the 3.5 jack.

What a bunch of bs

The BS is jettisoning something that 'just works' for something that doesn't.

 

[H2SO4]

On the other hand, there are those who simply aren't interested in wireless headphones. And I'm not sure wireless headphones would satisfy European regulations, etc.

What do you mean by this?
[doublepost=1470387627][/doublepost]

Anything is better than a 3.5 jack.
Get rid of those damn things already. The sooner we get away from wired old technology the sooner improvements will come.
The past belongs in the past.

Not being funny but convenience aside, can you list for me what is better about wireless tech that you don’t get with wired?

 

[recoil80]

At this point, I think it's likely the jack is gone with all the leaks/rumors. If Apple can bundle a pair of high quality Bluetooth EarPods along side the iPhone 7, by all means, count me in on the preorder with my iPhone 7.

I don't think they'll bundle high quality EarPods.
They'll have the same quality as the wired version, which is good for the average user but not very high quality. I use them a lot and they're good for making phone calls but I don't like listening music with them.
Along with new EarPods we'll likely see some new bluetooth headphone from Beats, with improved quality and obviously higher prices.
It is a good idea to focus on battery life for small earphones, since constantly need to charge them is an hassle.

 

[hiddenmarkov]

Remember when touch screens used to suck? And then Apple came out blew everyone away? Call me optimistic, but I hope they do the same thing with wireless audio next month. If they're really getting rid of the 3.5, they better have something amazing to justify it.

So do I. I do not hate BT to the point I say let this fail. I am not that petty. Many wired users aren't. Not our thing, we don't use it, others who like...enjoy it.

Let it be a big hit...really. day comes I break down and go bt..it be nice to have more quality options. if on an apple store run I can buy this as part of it...one stop shopping never a bad thing.

Thing is we can leave the 3.5 in. BT is there. We all live happy...like we have for years.

Let me preface this by saying in I can dig posters really into the digital music heaven idea..I dig the motivation about this digital music nirvana..I do. I hear the possibilities ideas and it sounds good (no pun intended).

But it needs some reality checks.

Removing 3.5...not making this happen. 3rd party options for this exist...they aren't fitting in this space if hardware based. Hate the 3.5 if so desired...but realize this is not us gimping the digital movement. We aren't keeping your mixmaster of doom setup in a phone dreams from happening...Newton and one of his damn laws is.

Nor is apple giving special software development in this realm (app or system wise) for sound. 3.5... We aren't getting a special apple team that favors us and says okay...make the music off the 3.5 sound better. this will flip the bt users out man, the troll will be epic

If we were getting a team of top audio engineers...by all means have them they are yours. Neither of us are. NO need for the sibling rivalry over who mommy and daddy apple likes more. Mommy and daddy apple don't like either of us.

 

[MH01]

What complete nonsense.

And what "audiophile" depends on an a smartphone for their musical pleasure.

You have no clue to what you are talking about and regurgitate nonsense. Omfg lol

A very highly regarded DAC / amp in the "audiophile" community

http://chordelectronics.co.uk/mojo/

Have a read and stop making a fool
Of yourself .

A smartphone or computer etc is just a transport for "digital" signal . OMFG , hence the mojo makes the magic happen, a "smartphone" just passes the digital data .

the limitation of smartphones are the files they support, but genius , audiophile on the move are more than happy to use a compact solution when in the go, which a smartphone. +DAC provides .

just read about what the Mojo does, and how it works with a smartphone, it's audiophile grade....though I doubt it will make sense to you.

Feel free to send Chord and email telling them your thoughts, they should have a good laugh. No doubt you use the heaphones supplied with an iPhone

 

[44267547]

I don't think they'll bundle high quality EarPods.
They'll have the same quality as the wired version, which is good for the average user but not very high quality. I use them a lot and they're good for making phone calls but I don't like listening music with them.
Along with new EarPods we'll likely see some new bluetooth headphone from Beats, with improved quality and obviously higher prices.
It is a good idea to focus on battery life for small earphones, since constantly need to charge them is an hassle.

I don't believe they will bundle any Bluetooth EarPods either. It's a nice thought. I would consider purchasing if Apple can deliver a solid product.

 

[D-Dave]

What complete nonsense.

And what "audiophile" depends on an a smartphone for their musical pleasure.

You have no clue to what you are talking about and regurgitate nonsense. Omfg lol

After reading your posts up to this point in the thread I wholeheartedly have to thank you for the entertainment.

On the other hand I think it is pretty scary that there are people like you that zealosly beat down any reasonable popint of view with half-truth or simply twisting the others words around. (like the DAC point...don't tell me you of all people do not get the fact that the iPhone will need a DAC to drive it's speakers incl. the one used to make calls).

There is one simple truth to this subject:
If true, Apple is planning to cut the functionality of the iPhone.

While this may not mean anything to you as you may not be using that specific feature, it obviously does to others that like that feature. What is hard for me to grasp is why you are so offended by those other persons wishes? Is it that you fear without such a move your personal experience with the new iPhone will be lessened? Or do you fear the developement of wireless technology will not move ahead if this step is not taken?

If it's the later, less selfish reason, you can pretty much relax: take Networking...huge advances were made with wireless even though no business with a reasonable sense of security and reliabilty will utilize wlan tech as a primary network base.

Last but not least, if you are fiercely argueing that taking away something that others like is the only viable choice because you do not need that something...well...this makes you come across as massively self centered...plus if you do it in such a disrespectful way that you have shown in your posts in this thread, it furthers the impression of a person with a comlete lack of manners, education and reason...(replace those last 4 words with any negative connotation you seem fit)

 

[44267547]

But we know Schiller is obsessed with the upsell so there will be something better than what's in the box to get people to spend $$ on accessories.

How is Phil obsessed with up selling? Was it his decision to charge an additional $100.00 for the 9.7 Pro? Or is Phil selling what Apple deems the product to retail for based off profit margins and production costs? Phil mainly presents on stage, as he was a transition from Jobs to Cook, when Jobs became ill. Phil's team was crucial when marketing the iPod when it launched and the iMac.

In any case, I don't feel he is a great salesman, but he himself and his marketing Team are brilliant. It's the marketing scheme that sells to the audience why they want the product, not why they need it, not the dollar.