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Apple’s answer to charging iPhone 7 while listening to wired headphones: the Lightning Dock

Prabas

Prabas

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 14, 2010
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Europe
Apple deprecated what it called “ancient” technology yesterday, with the iPhone 7 lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack. The company is encouraging Bluetooth wireless headphones for audio playback (heralding its new AirPods) or using wired headphones via Lightning. However, with just one port, people who want to listen to music and charge their iPhone 7 at the same time are left with a conundrum.

Apple’s answer to this problem appears to be the $39-49 Lightning Dock which adds a 3.5mm headphone jack when docked.


This messaging appears to be the Apple solution, thanks to an email conversation sent to us by a reader. Zaheen Hafzer says he asked Phil Schiller about how to charge the iPhone 7 and listen to music at the same time. Schiller said whilst he prefers using the AirPods for the additional wireless flexibility, the Lightning Dock is the solution for wired headphones.

Here’s what Schiller said according to Zaheen:

Hi Zaheen,

I like to listen on my AirPods while my iPhone 7 Plus is charging because I am free to move around.

However, if you would like to listen to wired headphones while charging an iPhone 7 it is possible to do that as well.

The Apple Lightning Dock includes a headphone jack for using wired headphones or speakers while charging.

I hope that helps.
It’s true that this is a possible option but it still isn’t ideal, costing both more money atop the price of the phone and its unwieldy size. The coaster-sized dock is not really meant to be a portable product. It is best used as a stationary dock at home, although this is most likely when your iPhone needs charging.
Click to expand...

https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/08/iphone-7-headphones-charging-solution/
 
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The Apple Lightning Dock includes a headphone jack for using wired headphones or speakers while charging.
Click to expand...

tumblr_mz18v0g8ga1rflq7lo1_250.gif


(what more is there to say, MR? this picture better expresses my thoughts than a 1000 words)
 
Last edited:
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You all know that bluetooth headphones are commodity items now, right?
You can buy them on Amazon now for about $20 which is cheaper than a Lightning dock if you don't already have one.

If you have to listen and charge at the same time, there are plenty of cheap ways to do that.
 
GadgetGav said:
You all know that bluetooth headphones are commodity items now, right?
You can buy them on Amazon now for about $20 which is cheaper than a Lightning dock if you don't already have one.

If you have to listen and charge at the same time, there are plenty of cheap ways to do that.
Click to expand...

Plenty of FREE ways with old design.
 
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Wired headphones suck, it's no brainer. Once you go wireless, you can't go back.
 
Does anyone know of equal alternatives to the Apple Dock? Sure I've found lightening docks, but are there any alternatives with the analog audio out port too?
 
Prabas said:
Apple deprecated what it called “ancient” technology yesterday, with the iPhone 7 lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack. The company is encouraging Bluetooth wireless headphones for audio playback (heralding its new AirPods) or using wired headphones via Lightning. However, with just one port, people who want to listen to music and charge their iPhone 7 at the same time are left with a conundrum.

Apple’s answer to this problem appears to be the $39-49 Lightning Dock which adds a 3.5mm headphone jack when docked.
Click to expand...

Actually, I'm glad he didn't say: Buy yourself a stereo system with bluetooth, connect your iPhone with it and plug your audio jack in it. Phew. Thanks Phil. Well thought through, it's going to look nice in my car, I need to have some super glue for that, though - or should I wait for the Apple Car which has the audiojack and/or double lightning port? :)
 
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GadgetGav said:
You all know that bluetooth headphones are commodity items now, right?
You can buy them on Amazon now for about $20 which is cheaper than a Lightning dock if you don't already have one.

If you have to listen and charge at the same time, there are plenty of cheap ways to do that.
Click to expand...
They don't sound as good and require charging.
 
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GadgetGav said:
You all know that bluetooth headphones are commodity items now, right?
You can buy them on Amazon now for about $20 which is cheaper than a Lightning dock if you don't already have one.

If you have to listen and charge at the same time, there are plenty of cheap ways to do that.
Click to expand...

You know that BT headphones have latency issues which cause video and audio to be out of sync, not to mention they sounds inferior and need to be charged daily right?
 
Prabas said:
Wired headphones suck, it's no brainer. Once you go wireless, you can't go back.
Click to expand...

My wireless mouse is GREAT!




...until the battery dies.
Getting expensive getting new batteries (even rechargeable don't last forever)
Keyboard still wired.

Wife had enough with Apple wireless touch mouse, says it is created by devil, junk, etc. Now wired Logitec.
She is OK with Apple Wireless Keyboard, infrequent battery changes.
 
Prabas said:
Apple deprecated what it called “ancient” technology yesterday, with the iPhone 7 lacking a 3.5mm headphone jack. The company is encouraging Bluetooth wireless headphones for audio playback (heralding its new AirPods) or using wired headphones via Lightning. However, with just one port, people who want to listen to music and charge their iPhone 7 at the same time are left with a conundrum.

Apple’s answer to this problem appears to be the $39-49 Lightning Dock which adds a 3.5mm headphone jack when docked.


This messaging appears to be the Apple solution, thanks to an email conversation sent to us by a reader. Zaheen Hafzer says he asked Phil Schiller about how to charge the iPhone 7 and listen to music at the same time. Schiller said whilst he prefers using the AirPods for the additional wireless flexibility, the Lightning Dock is the solution for wired headphones.

Here’s what Schiller said according to Zaheen:



https://9to5mac.com/2016/09/08/iphone-7-headphones-charging-solution/
Click to expand...
Phil should have mentioned that you can't use the new wired Earpods included with the iphone7 since the Lighning Dock doesn't have a lightning port on the back; it only has the 3.5mm jack. Need to use the older EarPods for that. Go figure!
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
GadgetGav said:
You all know that bluetooth headphones are commodity items now, right?
You can buy them on Amazon now for about $20 which is cheaper than a Lightning dock if you don't already have one.

If you have to listen and charge at the same time, there are plenty of cheap ways to do that.
Click to expand...
But you know what's even cheaper than $20 headsets? A $0.17 cents jack in the bottom left, like on my current iPhone 6s+ Both parties win.
 
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jdclifford said:
You're missing the point. The lightning port in middle back is for the charging power connection. The Earphone port to the left is a 3.5mm jack only. I've had 1 of these since the iPhone 6.
Click to expand...

could also be used to connect video adapters and such, no?
(could do with old 30 pin)
 
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