Apple's 2016 iPhone Update to Focus on Headphone Jack Removal, Major Changes Won't Come Until 2017

[jayducharme]

If they keep making the iPhone any thinner, eventually I'm going to injure myself just picking it up. Maybe they can run ads on daytime TV: "It's both a smartphone AND a vegetable slicer!"

 

[Manzzle]

I'll be skipping this years "update". Not getting my coins.

 

[inhalexhale1]

I think an every two year release on all iOS hardware would be fine.

 

[jbachandouris]

It's looking more and more like I'm sticking with my 6s Plus.

It's on Next and not paid off. Why should I turn it in only to get basically the same iPhone minus the headphone jack?

No point.

 

[Matooba]

Looks like ill be buying my first Android Phone next go round.

 

[ABC5S]

Do you think they will change the naming convention to iPhone, iPhone Pro or something like that and abandon the 6, 6S, 7, 7S etc?

Than what will Apple call the 2017 model / 2018 model /2019 model, etc ?

PS: I to am sticking with my 6s.

 

[doelcm82]

I'm not making any decisions until I see what Apple announces in September. But of all the rumors, I am looking forward to the dual lens camera the most. If that's not coming this year, I'll probably hold onto my 6 plus for another year.

 

[MacsRgr8]

That's eh.. BOLD by Apple.

No-one with a 6S will upgrade, and only the 6 users who are in for a renewal by subscription might get one.

TBH, I'm relieved... got all iPhones when they came out which cost a fortune. Skipping a year will make my wallet gain some weight.

 

[sputnikv]

Hey now, don't be snarky. This article brings a few new things to light, such as Apple's desire to make this version thinner.

since when did apple not want to make things thinner?

 

[rGiskard]

Released alongside the iPhone 7 will be an aluminium Lightning to 3.5mm audio jack adapter. $49.99, available in Silver, Gold, Rose, Space Gray, and Badass Blue. Collect all five colors!

Seriously, this is the dumbest rumor yet. We've seen the dual camera cutouts on leaked frame pics already. But what is sad is that if we disregard other leaks this rumor is believable...

 

[2IS]

People not going to upgrade because the design is the same? Really?

Apple continue to innovate on the internals. The upgrade from the 6 to 6S was HUGE by itself as I am sure this years when compared to last.

The processor alone is enough reason for me to upgrade every year. The additional features usually introduced is added benefit.

Yes, really. And no, it wasn't HUGE at all. In fact it was quite lackluster. Slow sales are even further evidence that most people don't agree with you, that is of course, if simply looking at and using the phone wasn't enough to tell you just how minimal the improvement really was.

 

[TallManNY]

Form factor is not "the" update though. My concern is that there will be little to be gained with further CPU updates, which is really the part of the phone that matters the most (well maybe after the screen). Since the folks writing these reviews know that the internals of the phone is more important than the case the phone is in, I wonder why people writing about these phones consider sticking with the same case as a minor update? Is it because the CPU and camera are only going to get minor updates from the 6S?

 

[Creek0512]

hope wireless earbuds are included...only way they'll be able to save face if they're killing the option to listen and charge at the same time.

Not the only way, wireless charging would also work.

 

[H2SO4]

I believe you are the target audience for Apple.

So do I, I mean OMG!! It has a new processor.

 

[Rob_2811]

It literally said they are removing the headphone jack to make the phone 1mm thinner... OMG

The 3.5mm headphone jack is 4.26mm in diameter. The iPod Touch 6G that I have at home is 6.1mm thick. Now the iPhone 7 might be 1mm thinner than the 6 which is 6.9mm thick or the 6s which is 7.1mm thick... which would result in a thickness of 5.9mm or 6.1mm respectively. There would still be room for a 3.5mm jack.

This means that a removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack is be highly illogical! However, as we know Apple, they do away with universal standards rather aggressively. I just hope that the iPhone gets USB-C then.. and not the proprietary Lightning.

Source:
Case Design Guidelines for Apple Devices

It does say that the removal of he headphone jack will also help with the waterproofing of the phone.

Wasn't there an article posted literally like yesterday claiming the the '16 iPhone will ship with EarPods & standard 3.5mm headphone jack that also claimed to have come from an extremely reliable source? If you're gonna report on out of pocket rumors, can we at least have some consistency?

WSJ are a very reliable source on Apple.

 

[britboyj]

Guess I'll just jump to a 6S then and save some money for the real upgrade.

 

[talkybear]

You get less for more.

 

[TechRemarker]

Why does Mashable's iPhone 7 mockup images still include the headphone jack if the article is suggesting iPhone 7 will have it removed? The only change in the mockups appears to be photoshopping out the back bands.

 

[b0nd18t]

I know this will sound snide but it's honestly kind of nice knowing I won't feel the need to blow a lot of money on this years iPhone. Give my wallet a break for next year.

 

[seatton]

I want a wireless charging capability for my Prius Tim, can you hear me?

 

[aaronhead14]

You know, when people used to say "Apple has gone way downhill ever since Steve passed" I used to just roll my eyes at them and say "Look, Steve was ONE person; don't worry, Apple's in good hands." Well, now I'm starting to believe those people, and I've stopped making excuses... I guess I was wrong.

The fact is: Apple stopped innovating quite some time ago. And that's really, really sad...

Moving FORWARD with technology, while ditching old technology, is something I can totally support. But in my book, Lightning is nearly as antiquated as the headphone jack! If Apple went for USB-C iPhones, then I would TOTALLY support them. But I absolutely cannot support the idea of an iPhone with just a Lightning port. That is so nonsensical.

And guess what, Apple? NONE of my other devices have Lightning ports! And I use the same pair of headphones on every device! But my other devices do (or will in the near future) have USB-C.

Also (and this is a bit off topic for this thread so sorry), WFT is up with Apple not releasing a new Mac Pro?! Totally unacceptable! They've been neglecting their professional consumer base 100% as of late.

To sum it up, Apple has transformed from a professional electronics company to a high-end toy maker.

 

[Radon87000]

Another year of nothingness while Samsung is Probably dancing at the news.iphone sales to continue their free fall

 

[Sefstah]

Yes! Because the removal of the audiojack is a feature!

Innovation at its finest!

 

[thefferon]

Watch out, Apple. 6S sales have been disappointing, and you're making a new phone that is just like it?

I've never really warmed to my 6S. It's the only time I can remember when Apple made a phone that is thicker and heavier than its predecessor. I am ready to go try out a slick new Huawei phone – try one, it's the only thing that can compete. I'm certainly not going to keep my 6S another year, and I'm not gonna buy a 7 if it's just more of the same. If I like the Huawei, I may not come back...

 

[psymac]

I don't get it by waiting, I upgrade every year to enjoy the latest tech and/or new form factor, no matter how minor. For the 6s, it turns out to about $15 a month to 'rent' the phone, as my new 64gb 6s was $750 and I can sell for about $600. Well worth it for me given the amazing productivity and entertainment value.