Apple's Phil Schiller Recommends Lightning Dock for Charging an iPhone 7 While Listening to Music

[Mac 128]

• 7, the vast majority of people don’t need that ‘Y’ cable, those that do will buy one like the Belkin that was announced or some less blocky alternative that crops up.

Do you mind providing a link to back up your claim that "the vast majority of people don’t need that ‘Y’ cable"?

I also enjoy the suggestion that some less "blocky" alternative will crop up, when Belkin designed the adapter with Apple. I suppose it's possible that someone could design something "less blocky" than Apple, but isn't usually the case.
[doublepost=1473445592][/doublepost]

Yeah it is. Thats why I need the 3.5mm

BT dongle is better.

 

[dewski]

Not taking a dig but the problem sounds like the audio system in your car. Why should Apple design their product around the audio system options available in Kias? The Bluetooth audio sounds just fine in my car and in the car I had before that. Technology isn't always about appealing to the lowest common denominator.

Oh I know that. I install car audio for a living. Im just explaining why I wish to keep the 3.5mm. Wireless isnt always the answer. But that will keep me from getting the 7. But they are still getting my money because I will be upgrading to an SE today.
[doublepost=1473445692][/doublepost]

Do you mind providing a link to back up your claim that "the vast majority of people don’t need that ‘Y’ cable"?

I also enjoy the suggestion that some less "blocky" alternative will crop up, when Belkin designed the adapter with Apple. I suppose it's possible that someone could design something "less blocky" than Apple, but isn't usually the case.
[doublepost=1473445592][/doublepost]

BT dongle is better.

I prefer the simplicity of a wire going straight to the car from my phone. Serves one purpose and does it well.

 

[DoctaSfink]

If you are a true audiophile, and you're willing to invest in high quality music playback, why in the hell are you running it through a phone?

I understand the convenience, but aren't a phone's output capabilities/limitations going to bottleneck much of the increased quality from high-end headphones?

 

[ckyvy]

I have an portable adaptor is being MFi certified to launch soon, as far I know my product is the first to apply for MFi since last year. Looking for global agents!

 

[tjleonard]

Removing something that affects about 99% of current users isn't innovation! Adding a dongle isn't innovation!

They seriously could have introduced the AirBuds without removing the 1/8" jack; the reason they did it is to increase royalty payments on their proprietary port to boost profits and make shareholders happy.

99% of the people...really? You are really that dependent on a connector a walkman had?
[doublepost=1473447857][/doublepost]

Because it's not innovation, it's just change which brings a lot of inconveniences for a lot of people. You could alreay do EVERYTHING you can do with the iPhone 4,5,6, that you can now MAGICALLY do with the 7 - Bluetooth, lightening headphones, crappy/misplaced 3.5mm to lightening adapter, etc... But one thing you can't do - plug a ubiquitous 3.5mm headphone or plug the iPhone 7 into any one of a billion devices built to use 3.5mm plug, without an adapter. We have only LOST functionality.

Innovation comes with the wireless charging, better batteries, better bluetooth audio streaming, etc... We don't have those yet. Until we do, we simply get LESS functionality with this move.

There is ZERO innovation with this move, when it comes to the removal of 3.5mm - What DON'T you understand about this?

I wasn't meaning it's innovation to remove the headphone jack, I was meaning innovation in general. The fact of the matter is headphones ONLY are sold with that 3.5mm port because that's what everything uses...Just because that's what's out - don't continue to use it. You want digital sounding audio, but want to use that connector? It's a waste of space...I rather have the new home button...or hell, I rather not need that waste of space in a phone. Bluetooth headphones are just too easy to come by. If you're spending that much on a phone and can't afford a new pair of headphones...you need to evaluate your finances to begin with.

 

[Act3]

You are really that dependent on a connector a walkman had?

and still is use in the very latest gaming consoles, xbox one s still uses a 3.5mm jack on it's controllers for headphones

 

[Mac 128]

Great post, but folks often don't like change and need time to adjust without losing the current functionality they are used to.
Its just a "transition phase", trying to make the transition smooth - keeping 100% folks happy (not possible) but the target is 100%
cheers

The problem I have with this is the way Apple has handled it. It appears that they have simply removed the headphone jack, offered some cool AirPods, which may or may not improve the audio quality relative to wired headphones, a pair of Lightning headphones, and an adapter for use with older 3.5mm headphones; without necessarily giving any thought to how the headphone jack was actually used.

If Apple had included wireless AirPods then this discussion would be somewhat moot. But even then, Apple didn't think this through -- how will AirPods share an audio connection (which is a very common use of the headphone jack now)?

The same issue comes up with the Lightning headphones. How can it be used to share?

And then there's the fact that the Lightning headphones can't be used on any other non-Lightning equipped device, including current Macs. How does that make any sense. Yet that's what Apple has included in the box. So Apple is discouraging customers from using the very technology they included if they plan on using the same pair of headphones with anything other than the iPhone, or a Lightning equipped iPad or iPod Touch. The only way to keep from carrying two sets of headphones is to use the included 3.5mm adapter, and a set of old headphones. Seems totally contrary to what Apple was trying to do with this move.

And then we get to the charging and listening issue, which is a legitimate concern, which many people do. And the tragedy here, is that it was easily fixed in the box.

So what Apple has done is taken away something, but not offered replacement functionality with the new paradigm. And that's how they've botched this thing. Take the jack away, but don't take away the common functionality. If Apple had a legitimate response to these questions, they could have sailed through this transition. Instead, they've literally made things far worse than they need to be.

 

[JackANSI]

The problem I have with this is the way Apple has handled it. It appears that they have simply removed the headphone jack, offered some cool AirPods, which may or may not improve the audio quality relative to wired headphones, a pair of Lightning headphones, and an adapter for use with older 3.5mm headphones; without necessarily giving any thought to how the headphone jack was actually used.

If Apple had included wireless AirPods then this discussion would be somewhat moot. But even then, Apple didn't think this through -- how will AirPods share an audio connection (which is a very common use of the headphone jack now)?

The same issue comes up with the Lightning headphones. How can it be used to share?

And then there's the fact that the Lightning headphones can't be used on any other non-Lightning equipped device, including current Macs. How does that make any sense. Yet that's what Apple has included in the box. So Apple is discouraging customers from using the very technology they included if they plan on using the same pair of headphones with anything other than the iPhone, or a Lightning equipped iPad or iPod Touch. The only way to keep from carrying two sets of headphones is to use the included 3.5mm adapter, and a set of old headphones. Seems totally contrary to what Apple was trying to do with this move.

And then we get to the charging and listening issue, which is a legitimate concern, which many people do. And the tragedy here, is that it was easily fixed in the box.

So what Apple has done is taken away something, but not offered replacement functionality with the new paradigm. And that's how they've botched this thing. Take the jack away, but don't take away the common functionality. If Apple had a legitimate response to these questions, they could have sailed through this transition. Instead, they've literally made things far worse than they need to be.

Amazing how hard this is for people to understand. Well put, but I doubt it will make sense to the people that refuse to see it because they want to believe Apple can do no wrong.

 

[trifid]

Lightning dock my ass, Phil Schiller.

That thing is prehistoric, if I use a dock in 2016 it'll inductive.

 

[Act3]

"While on stage at yesterday's event, Schiller explained that one of the reasons why Apple moved away from the headphone jack was to push wireless technology forward."

Not sure how removing the jack is pushing wireless technology forward when they include wired lightning earpods and an adapter with the phone.

wireless charging has been around for a while now, they could have pushed that "wireless technology" forward while not removing a convenience of having 3.5 mm jack

 

[deany]

"While on stage at yesterday's event, Schiller explained that one of the reasons why Apple moved away from the headphone jack was to push wireless technology forward."

Not sure how removing the jack is pushing wireless technology forward when they include wired lightning earpods and an adapter with the phone.

wireless charging has been around for a while now, they could have pushed that "wireless technology" forward while not removing a convenience of having 3.5 mm jack

I know apple do extensive market research but I think they are "slowly slowly catch a monkey" on this one.
They are game changing 1964 tech and a lot of thought has gone into how best to win us over.....gradually.
Cheers

 

[Count Blah]

I wasn't meaning it's innovation to remove the headphone jack, I was meaning innovation in general. The fact of the matter is headphones ONLY are sold with that 3.5mm port because that's what everything uses...Just because that's what's out - don't continue to use it. You want digital sounding audio, but want to use that connector? It's a waste of space...I rather have the new home button...or hell, I rather not need that waste of space in a phone. Bluetooth headphones are just too easy to come by. If you're spending that much on a phone and can't afford a new pair of headphones...you need to evaluate your finances to begin with.

Who says the inconvenience is cost? You did, not me.

Lets see what else you get with Bluetooth headphones ...

• Running out of battery, and they are useless when needed the most
  
• Speaking of the battery - YET ANOTHER item you have to charge every day/multiple times a day
• If they are like the AirPods, they are easy to lose
• Cost many times more than wire headphones
• loss of pairing all the time/need to reset
  
• a second device grabs the signal from your bluetooth headphones - Ahh, the misses must have started up the car, and grabbed the signal from my iPhone YET AGAIN
• Bluetooth signals bouncing off the inside of your skull
• etc...

Bah! Don't like it!

 

[developer13245]

"My goodness what a big fuss you're making... why you're nothing but a great big COWARD".
So now go see Phil the wizard and he'll sell you an iPhone 7 Badge of COURAGE!

..it also comes with a brain and heart BTW..

 

[Dan_Florida]

Apple's new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus ship without a headphone jack, requiring customers to use either Bluetooth or Lightning-equipped headphones. Many customers who routinely charge their iPhones while also listening to music have been questioning whether that usage scenario will possible sans headphone jack, and as it turns out, Apple has a solution.

In an email to a customer, Apple SVP of marketing Phil Schiller says that while he prefers to use the wireless AirPods to listen to music, customers who want to listen to wired headphones while charging an iPhone 7 can use the Apple Lightning Dock, which has a built-in headphone jack.

Priced at $49 and available in colors to match each of the iPhones, the Lightning dock has both a USB input and a 3.5mm headphone jack built in, making it perfect for customers who want to charge and listen to music at the same time. Unfortunately, it's an expensive solution compared to former method of using 3.5mm EarPods and a Lightning cable, which came free with the iPhone. Belkin also just announced a $40 Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter designed to let users listen to Lightning headphones while charging, but it's both bulky and pricy.

To ease the transition away from the 3.5mm headphone jack, Apple is providing customers with both a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter and a set of EarPods with a Lightning connector. Of course, when using these accessories, charging is not possible at the same time.

Apple's ultimate goal seems to be to transition customers to wireless headphones like its recently announced AirPods. While on stage at yesterday's event, Schiller explained that one of the reasons why Apple moved away from the headphone jack was to push wireless technology forward. The AirPods, which have been in development since the Apple Watch was conceived, feature a proprietary wireless W1 chip and up to 24 hours of battery life implemented through a charging case.

AirPods, priced at $159 and similar in design to EarPods, are entirely wireless with no cord connecting the two earpieces and feature technology like gesture recognition, voice isolation, and more. AirPods have been receiving largely favorable reviews, but $159 is a lot to pay for the ideal iPhone 7 music experience.

Apple executives have explained that the removal of the headphone jack took a lot of "courage," but was necessary to free up valuable space and improve technology in the iPhone 7 and future iPhones.

(Thanks, Zaheen!)

Article Link: Apple's Phil Schiller Recommends Lightning Dock for Charging an iPhone 7 While Listening to Music

 

[juannacho]

No one cares about ethernet? You kidding? That is one of the most irritating things about macbooks, having to use a bloody dongle to use proper networking. 802.11 is a joke when it comes to reliable speed and connection. Sure, works fine on the run, but I would never, ever settle for WiFi at my workplace.

The thing is, most people would. I own a company that is 100% web based. We make online, browser delivered content.

When we recently moved studio I bought a whole load of USB Ethernet dongles for all the lappy folks. With 300MB wifi in the room NO ONE is using them. I offered over and over but in the real world that speed is just fine.

Literally no one cares. I'm the creative partner too, not a dev or 'tech' guy! The coders just want enough to Internet to push and pull repos and wifi gives them that and plenty more.

Unless you're a video editor it really doesn't seem to be an issue...

 

[rockinrakozy]

I am informing you that your comment is not relevant.



I haven't done any of those things. I never use Wifi unless I'm forced to, as in the case of a phone or tablet. (And then if I were using the tablet as a PC, I'd do it through Ethernet.) Wifi's not appropriate for a more permanent setup.

Well I guess this change would upset you. As for a lot of other people they tend to use their wifi cards in their desktops and laptops. Like I said before, it's a convenience in this sense. Less cords, less clutter. You make it sound like it's a chore to use Wifi because 'you're forced to.'

I use optical drives less on PCs, but still use them frequently.

In the past 6 years I have never used an optical drive until this year where a client wanted a DVD copy of their wedding video even though I had posted it up on Vimeo and to be downloadable. Luckily I had a DVD burner, but I had to dig through tons of storage to get to it. It's just not a common thing nowadays where software is downloadable.

DVD and Blu Ray haven't remotely been replaced. They're the only way to own content if you want to actually own stuff, and I do buy stuff from time to time. There's far less selection on rental services with streaming stuff than with Blu Ray/DVD. And Blu Ray's much higher quality than streaming, plus has extras, etc. PLUS of course can be used anywhere, not just places with fast/unlimited internet connections. First gen Blu Ray is higher quality than 4K streaming, to say nothing of 4K Blu Ray...

Well technically it can't be used ANYWHERE because you need a Blu Ray player. Just like streaming services, you need internet to use it. And as for selections on rental services, that's debatable considering how many services there are already. And with the way technology is going, it'll only get better. So yes, just like BETA Max and Laser Discs and DVDs, Blu Ray will be replaced. It's only a matter of time.

And storing files on someone else's servers is very handy for some stuff, but also obviously not secure in the same way, and provides incredibly small storage-both reasons they can't replace having your own storage, only add new possibilities.

Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and many others are extremely useful and beneficial for storing files, projects, etc. I rather have them safely secured (yes, secured, havent lost any files whatsoever) in the cloud than on a drive that could fail at any moment. I've heard horror stories from many of professionals in the filming industry. Plus the convenience to use another computer and pull up those files instead of lugging around your hard drive is another advantage over your own storage. The only time having physical storage is working on projects in real-time, i.e. Adobe Premiere projects, FCPX, Logic Pro X, Protools, Digital Performer, etc. but aside from that, having 2TB of cloud storage is definitely the exact opposite of your description of them being 'incredibly small.'

Only if there's some replacement. Considering standard jacks have been around for DECADES that sounds dubious. Bluetooth is something else, and not always a replacement. Lightning is a terrible connector, and proprietary, so ti's not a replacement either.

Bluetooth is something else, just like streaming is something else. It's not a replacement but it's conveniently there and we can take advantage of it. We've been set on using gasoline to fuel our cars for DECADES but that doesn't stop companies for trying something out, like Tesla. And then there are cars that can do both but not every car company does that.

This change is pointless. It's just change for the sake of change...or for the sake of Apple getting to make a slightly cheaper device, and try to market you new headphones.

You may consider it pointless, I don't. So we can agree to disagree on that. I welcome the change because I'm all for the convenience of using my wireless headphones with ease and I've never looked back on using wired ones ever again. You disagree because you like using headphones with a wire. That's fine. So we'll leave it at that.

This is such hilarious hyperbole.

 

[deany]

Well said Sir.

 

[cmichaelb]

Let's face it, a lot of people here are looking for something to bitch about. How often does this charging/listening scenario take place?

Ask yourself.

Is it really a problem? Really?

And even IF it's something you do a lot, hell, there's a tonne of solutions! Grab yourself one of these -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00C9GEXXS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473405357&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=SBH20&dpPl=1&dpID=41R+jOqGRSL&ref=plSrch

There you go! All fixed!

And look, Apple don't make a penny out of that solution! Stick it to the man!

I've been using mine for years simply because having a wire between the phone in my pocket and the headphones in my ears is lame and old fashioned

I think it goes on a lot more than you realize. When I worked in an office i did that all the time, so did most of the people in the office.

I can't imagine Apple employees not doing the same. It's just like how they destroyed the dashboard view in Health. Surely their own employees are using these items this way and giving feedback.

 

[ENduro]

Lucky me I can't imagine an scenario where I would need to charge the phone and listen to music with headphones at the same time.

EDIT: Don't bring up the trips and flights argument—you should be responsible enough to bring your phone at 100% to the trip. Plus, the phone lasts at least 2 more hours than the 6s and since you can't use mobile or wifi while in a plane, you don't have that much to do but enjoy 40 hours of music AND low power mode eventually.

You're bringing it on the trip wrong. Gotta love fanboy justifications.

 

[bollman]

The thing is, most people would. I own a company that is 100% web based. We make online, browser delivered content.

When we recently moved studio I bought a whole load of USB Ethernet dongles for all the lappy folks. With 300MB wifi in the room NO ONE is using them. I offered over and over but in the real world that speed is just fine.

Literally no one cares. I'm the creative partner too, not a dev or 'tech' guy! The coders just want enough to Internet to push and pull repos and wifi gives them that and plenty more.

Unless you're a video editor it really doesn't seem to be an issue...

You bought USB dongles? Yeah, well, that explains it. 100MB max, or, if you bought USB3 non-Apple, they might be faster, but require drivers. Of course that is less useful than well configured 802.11ac.
I do imaging of computers, I package software for distribution, move data between servers. I need 1GBit, at least. I use LAG/MLAG to achieve higher throughput and wave my fist at Apple for not providing 10GBit TB-adapters.
I might be a pretty small percentage, but have you looked up your latency over WiFi? Also, 300MBit WiFi does not mean that you have 300MBit speed within coverage, it's not even 300MBit right next to the bloody antenna!
Moving to WiFi is like going back to hubs from the early 90s. Huge collision domains, efficiency like old coax networks. All-in-all: Yuck!
Sure, for facebook, youtube and general browsing it's absolutely fine, but not for "pro" work. Also, if you need 1GBit ethernet and a second screen? SOL, if you are using a MBA, only one TB port which, for some reason is the only port that can expand your computer. Why not one TB and one DP? It's not like it's taking up too much space.
Moving to USB3 like in the MacBook will make it better, but all these adapters really make it awkward to use a Apple laptop for heavy work.

 

[cmichaelb]

I still care , its annoying . And for what? Some idiot form over function? Someone with apple doesnt like ports apparently? I buy a laptop to use, not put it on a pedastal.

Jony Ive. His goal is one solid monolith like in 2001. No visible buttons, no visible ports.

 

[Mac 128]

"While on stage at yesterday's event, Schiller explained that one of the reasons why Apple moved away from the headphone jack was to push wireless technology forward."

Not sure how removing the jack is pushing wireless technology forward when they include wired lightning earpods and an adapter with the phone.

wireless charging has been around for a while now, they could have pushed that "wireless technology" forward while not removing a convenience of having 3.5 mm jack

I agree that including Lightning headphones seems counter intuitive, especially since they can't be used on anything else as there are no adapters to even use them on the Mac.

I don't agree that they could have pushed wireless without making a change. I think in general people don't tend to make big changes in habitual behavior without a push.

But it would have made so much more sense to include a wireless dongle that goes on the end of traditional headphones, and include the 3.5mm EarPods in the box for maximum compatibility.

"My goodness what a big fuss you're making... why you're nothing but a great big COWARD".
So now go see Phil the wizard and he'll sell you an iPhone 7 Badge of COURAGE!

..it also comes with a brain and heart BTW..

If you click your heels together three times, will the headphone jack come back?

 

[EdT]

If you are a true audiophile, and you're willing to invest in high quality music playback, why in the hell are you running it through a phone?

I understand the convenience, but aren't a phone's output capabilities/limitations going to bottleneck much of the increased quality from high-end headphones?

This is true, but some people are saying that bluetooth is a 'better' way of transmitting sound. I've looked for tech sites that might have explanations about how good bluetooth is compared to cables but I haven't found one that has any data to back up the 'better sound' claim. One of the early reasons given for the removal of the 3.5 jack was superior sound quality. I don't know if anyone at Apple ever made this claim but it has been made in earlier threads here when the removal was first rumored. Which brings me back to the question, why am I supposed to be excited that they removed the audio jack?

Right now if I lose/forget my earphones I can stop into any convenience mart and pick up cheap ones for under $10. What do I gain from needing an adaptor to use them? If you are going to claim good sound then I want to see some documented proof.

There have been a LOT of posts on this thread about people who do charge their phone while listening to music. I'm one of them. I have driven my companies car from Omaha Ne, to Chicago. It has an 3.5 audio jack input. It does not have bluetooth or a USB. When I drive it I use a male to male cable with 3.5mm audio plugs at each end. It's a 9 hour or longer drive. I charge the phone while driving.

How about the claim that removing the jack meant that you could get an IP67 rating for dust and waterproofing? There are phones out there with jacks that have IP68, which means they are more water resistant.

I can think of reasons why Apple wanted to get rid of the audio jack. It will drive a lot of people to their bluetooth products and it may create a larger market for Lightning equipped headphones, but I really don't see a use or feature or reason why this decision benefits the consumer.

The phone isn't cheaper.
You now need more cables.
Your options other than Apple for components like headphones has gone from millions to just a handful.
Your options to connect to 3rd party devices just got more complicated if you aren't using wifi or bluetooth.
The sound is no better. With bluetooth it might be worse.
You're not gaining a connection option, bluetooth and wireless headphones have been available for years if you wanted to use them.

 

[ENduro]

Patronizing Phil.

I think he's taking advice from tech visionary Gwyneth Paltrow!

 

[deany]

You bought USB dongles? Yeah, well, that explains it. 100MB max, or, if you bought USB3 non-Apple, they might be faster, but require drivers. Of course that is less useful than well configured 802.11ac.
I do imaging of computers, I package software for distribution, move data between servers. I need 1GBit, at least. I use LAG/MLAG to achieve higher throughput and wave my fist at Apple for not providing 10GBit TB-adapters.
I might be a pretty small percentage, but have you looked up your latency over WiFi? Also, 300MBit WiFi does not mean that you have 300MBit speed within coverage, it's not even 300MBit right next to the bloody antenna!
Moving to WiFi is like going back to hubs from the early 90s. Huge collision domains, efficiency like old coax networks. All-in-all: Yuck!
Sure, for facebook, youtube and general browsing it's absolutely fine, but not for "pro" work. Also, if you need 1GBit ethernet and a second screen? SOL, if you are using a MBA, only one TB port which, for some reason is the only port that can expand your computer. Why not one TB and one DP? It's not like it's taking up too much space.
Moving to USB3 like in the MacBook will make it better, but all these adapters really make it awkward to use a Apple laptop for heavy work.

I guess you only get "I need 1GBit, at least."
Wired? Never heard of LAG/MLAG is this wired or wireless?
I was only thinking the other day what the next wifi will be like - I guess it will always be the same but better reach and stronger signal.