iPhone 7 to Include Five Colors, IPX7 Water Resistance, Dual 12MP Cameras on Plus Model

[Mac 128]

Nah. It should be that expensive to manufacture a low end adapter. We'll eventually see them on Amazon essentials for $10. A quality one will cost more but you'd need that to outperform the current hardware anyway.

He's complaining about the iPhone's internal DAC being underutilized! LOL Never mind that every wireless audio device has it's own DAC and amp. Wonder why he's not heartbroken over that?

A couple of problems in your analysis. There haven't been four straight quarters of decline. There have been two! The first ever drop was in April of this year followed by the quarter ending in June.

Second,you are comparing an all time record year with this year. Important to consider more than one year period. For example, the iPhone 7 could have a fantastic Christmas quarter, but still be less than the all time record Christmas quarter of 2015.

The other problem is you that you are making the mistake of the Apple bashers, of which you aren't, in ignoring the history of the iPhone. Beyond its inception, it has always been iterative improvements, of which this year is shaping up to be , if rumors are correct, one of the largest number of improvements ever, to wit: Double base memory, double max memory, increased battery life, stronger, sharper screen with better color, increased water proofing, increased dust proofing, Optical Image stabilization, new low light camera, improved flash, new duo lens system, improved speaker sound and volume, improved microphones, new faster, more powerful processor, new digital lightning earbuds with two way interaction and other benefits, new color choices, and that's just what has been leaked. You may be dismissive of each of these, but most users will find these all welcome improvements and a compelling reason for many of them to upgrade.

Finally, people don't care about the 3.5 mm jack per se, they just want to be able to get good sound or be able to use their "connected devices." A huge number of people just use whatever headphones that Apple puts in the box. Those people will plug in their new lightning earbuds and not think twice about. Another large number never use headphones and they will love the improved sound from the new speaker set up or not notice as they stream through BT which Apple is likely to announce an improved version of. The other group that has legacy headphones they want to use will put on the adapter and forget about it. All of the above will love the improvements that will come from the lightning phones, e.g., two way interaction, etc., that Apple will explain on Wed, and all of the many other improvements I've listed.

A very tiny number of people, hugely outweighed by those who are attracted to the above, will give up all they love about the iPhone and the benefits of the Apple eco system and all of the new improvements because they are so uniquely wedded to using their legacy equipment without an adapter.
Sales across the industry may decline for all sort of economic and other reasons, but it won't be because of some extreme devotion to a jack.

You're viewing this through rose colored glasses. This chart seems to suggest that Apple is on the decline for three straight quarters:

And Apple has posted guidance of $45.5 billion and $47.5 billion for it's 4th quarter 2016, which is a decline from the $51.5 billion it earned in 2015. This despite market analysis that suggests a 5% growth in the smartphone industry as a whole.

But feel free to post your own "facts".

Speaking of which, the only survey I've come across would suggest that more than a "very tiny number of people" might give up the iPhone. And again, you're not even addressing the potential customers currently using Android who will not move over to Apple because it offers less than what they currently are using, and charging them more.

According to this article: http://www.macnn.com/articles/16/01...o.ask.apple.shoppers.what.they.thought.131986

Almost 20% of those polled said the loss of the headphone jack would be detrimental to the use. That's no "tiny" amount. Let's say even only 10% decide to not upgrade or buy an iPhone. 10% would be a staggering loss unlikely to be made up by sales of adapters and new headphones (especially if as you assert most will be using the free headphones anyway and not spending more money), and 20% would be absolutely terrible for Apple.

Frankly, I find your unsupported analysis just as flawed as the "Apple bashers". I'd rather not see Apple continue to slide, but it will and removing the headphone jack is going to contribute to it. You can continue to speculate based on past trends of iPhone sales -- none of which ever removed an important standard feature in universal use with a core function of the device -- but the truth will be known in a few short weeks. No need to debate it here with unsupported supposition, anecdotal evidence and gut feelings.

Moreover, every iPhone has had a list of compelling incremental updates such as this. Where's the "feature" that's going to stand out to those on the fence, and to the average customer? It's not likely some revolutionary feature has not been leaked -- when has that ever happened on which to base your historical analysis?

Again, there's nothing wrong with this iterative update. But there's nothing to captivate or stand out to the customer. And they're taking away the headphone jack. It's going to hurt them in the short term. But they will recover as I stated in my original post. I do have to admire your willingness to bury your head in the sand though.

 

[Hieveryone]

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a very solid track record when it comes to Apple product rumors, has released his most detailed research report yet ahead of Wednesday's iPhone 7 launch. The report recaps a number of claims previously shared by Kuo and others while also introducing several new tidbits about the device.

Kuo notes that there are many upgrades and other changes with the iPhone 7, but because the overall design is similar to the iPhone 6s, "general users may not feel the differences significantly." Details on the iPhone 7 include:

- New A10 chip from TSMC that could top out at 2.4-2.45 GHz, although Apple may clock it a bit lower due to heat and power consumption concerns.

- Storage capacities of 32 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB on both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The iPhone 7 Plus will include 3 GB of DRAM to support the dual-lens camera, while the iPhone 7 will continue to include 2 GB.

- Five color options including the usual silver, gold, and rose gold, along with a "dark black" replacing the usual Space Gray. A new fifth color Kuo describes as glossy "piano black" will also be offered. A photo of SIM trays in those five colors surfaced earlier this week.

- Improved IPX7 water resistance matching that of the original Apple Watch and making the device suitable for splashes, showering, and even brief dips in water up to one meter deep.

- No headphone jack, with Apple providing both Lightning EarPods and a Lightning to 3.5 mm jack adapter in the box. Removal of the headphone jack will allow for an upgraded speaker and a new sensor for improved Force Touch.

- Earpiece receiver to become a speaker with the addition of a new audio amplifier. Rather than putting a second speaker at the bottom in place of the headphone jack, Apple is said to be upgrading the earpiece receiver at the top of the device to become a full speaker. The change would provide enough separation to allow for stereo sound when the device is held in landscape orientation.

- Pressure-sensitive click-less home button to benefit water resistance. New haptics to mimic a clicking sensation when the button is pressed will be included.

- Wide color displays in the same sizes and resolutions as the current iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. The wide color technology adopted from the 9.7-inch iPad Pro will offer better color quality.

- Dual-lens rear camera on the iPhone 7 Plus, which will increase Apple's costs by about $40 and could make the iPhone 7 Plus more expensive than the iPhone 6s Plus. Both lenses will be 12-megapixel, but one will be a wide-angle camera with larger pixel sizes, a 6P lens, and optical image stabilization, while the second will be a telephoto lens with smaller pixel sizes and a 5P lens.

- Upgraded rear camera flash with four LEDs (two cool and two warm) and a new ambient light sensor for better image quality.

- Possible upgraded proximity sensor shifting from LED to laser for faster response and greater recognition distance, as well as potential gesture recognition.

- FeliCa NFC support in models sold in Japan, as had been previously rumored for either the iPhone 7 or the 2017 iPhone.

Overall, Kuo believes iPhone 7 shipments will be below that of the iPhone 6s through the end of the year, coming in at 60-65 million compared to 82 million last year. Kuo reports that Apple's water resistance requirements resulted in low assembly yields that pushed back the start of mass production until the second half of August.

Make sure to check out our "What to Expect" post for a recap on other announcements expected at Wednesday's event and stay tuned to MacRumors for other last-minute news and rumors. On the event day, we'll have full live coverage here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive Twitter account, starting at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

Article Link: iPhone 7 to Include Five Colors, IPX7 Water Resistance, Dual 12MP Cameras on Plus Model

Better camera, new colors, changing the ports around, maybe a few other tweaks here and there and bam new phone...

How nice!

 

[Lankyman]

Our company of almost 300,000 employees are not allowed to use any Samsung/Android product while Apple Products are on the approved list. Reason "known malware risks, bloatware, poor performance"

Your company has obviously not carried out proper research then has it - poor.

 

[Mindbomb2000]

Here's why I love my Apple Products: I have a 5s. It's THREE years old, which is a lifetime when it comes to mobile devices. It still works flawlessly, and is still super fast. There are no gimmicks, nothing superfluous... and I bet I could get two more years out of it. I have friends with 3-year-old samsung, and they're dogs... glitchy and slow. I do professional design work on a 10-year-old Mac Pro. Still works great. I'll be upgrading both this year, but I don't need to. Yes, I paid more upfront, but saved much more in the long run. Can't wait to get my hands on the 7, 3.5 adapter and all.

 

[Mac 128]

You are absolutely right in that if you are wanting to use headphones or earbuds there is no way to charge and listen. Now, you can charge and listen if you use one of the apple docks with the headphone jack and/or if you are listening in a car where the head unit supports USB audio, then it will allow you to listen and charge. There is no doubt this is not going to be a great solution for everyone. But I think what it boils down to is how many actually listen and charge at the same time as part of their daily activities? Just asking as I really don't know as I really never use the headphone jack myself.

No, you are both ABSOLUTELY WRONG.

At a minimum, simply updating the free Lightning to USB cable included the box to allow a passthrough in the Lightning connector is all that is necessary (something Apple is already doing in various products). There is at least one other possibility included in the box that won't involve spending any extra money as well. This isn't rocket science. And depending on which headphones a customer decides to use with the iPhone there are numerous other possibilities that don't involve an Apple dock.

How can you and others make blanket statements like this as if they are fact, without seemingly giving it the minimum consideration you seem to think Apple has callously has also forgone?

 

[Mildredop]

I think the article states pretty clearly why: improved water resistance and room for more stuff.

Except they're not reasons for losing the audio jack. Other manufacturers have managed waterproofing and kept the jack. 'Room for stuff' could be achieved in other ways: reduce size of battery, make iPhone case larger etc.

 

[Lankyman]

Because beauty means a lot when you're choosing a platform to run ur business. iPhones are hands down the better phone for large businesses.

Technical assessment for that assertion please, oh and you did miss out the fact I mentioned performance too.

 

[Mac 128]

Except they're not reasons for losing the audio jack. Other manufacturers have managed waterproofing and kept the jack. 'Room for stuff' could be achieved in other ways: reduce size of battery, make iPhone case larger etc.

REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE BATTERY!? Are you serious!? Sorry that statement alone loses you all credibility.

And rather than make the case larger, for those who want the headphone jack that badly, there will likely be cases which include one which will make the iPhone bigger in the process for those who don't mind, as well as add a larger battery if they want (something at the top of almost every iPhone users list). Since many people use cases anyway, that will hardly be a sacrifice. For everyone else, there's thinner, lighter, with wireless and Lightning.

 

[Analog Kid]

Except they're not reasons for losing the audio jack. Other manufacturers have managed waterproofing and kept the jack. 'Room for stuff' could be achieved in other ways: reduce size of battery, make iPhone case larger etc.

Ceteris paribus is clearly implied.

I think when you said you don't understand, what you meant is you don't agree.

 

[notrack]

It would be bad news if the iPhone doesn't come with an adapter to connect usb and headphones at the same time.

Rental car, train or airplane, usually I have to charge the iPhone during the day while travelling. And usually I am listening to music, podcasts or making phone calls with the headphones.

My issue is I sleep with headphones in and charge at the same time. With no headphone jack I won't be able to do this unless there is an adapter with a pass through charge port as well.

Will there be an adapter that les you charge the phone and listen to music with wired headphones at the same time?

Again I might be missing something, but how can you charge the phone while headphones are plugged into the charging port?

only probably daily when driving home after work. Phones usually on about 10% after a 10 hour work day (i use my phone a fair bit). So for me having the capability to charge while having the comfort of being able to play music rather than listen to FM News whole drive home is quite a nice thing.

Do you believe there will be an adapter which charges AND allows you to output via aux?

I'm pretty disappointed by the loss of the headphone jack. I want to be able to plug a regular 3.5mm mini plug into it and charge it at the same time. The water resistance feature is neat, but I can't picture myself taking it into the shower and if I dropped it off the side of a boat it's going to disappear forever anyways. About the only thing I see that it's good for is if you dropped it in the toilet.

Doubt if they will include bt air pods either but it would be nice if it was an option ?

... Now who can argue with this allows use of lightening for charging whilst listening to your existing 3.5 or lightening phones??

I could not agree more. It will make me so mad if this turns out to be true. It is user hostile, and for the first time I'm considering not upgrading to the latest iphone until they put it back.

Charging while listening to music/podcasts in the car via the AUX input is really important to me. UGH.

I'm not sure how they can address it, while also removing the jack. Unless the dongle allows for both charging and listening. Even so, that just seems like a pain in the arse to carry around.

The best thing about all this news is that my lovely iPhone SE will continue to work just perfectly this week, and beyond..

(and I can continue using it in the way i do, such as listening to music/podcasts in my car, with a 3.5 audio input to my car stereo, and also charging it at the same time..)

surprised by the amount of folks that have never charged their phones and listened to music via headphone jack at the same time

 

[Lankyman]

Not the software; which is where all the magic will happen.

Well having spent five years with the iOS magic I have now found a much more potent magic - it's called Android.

 

[truthertech]

He's complaining about the iPhone's internal DAC being underutilized! LOL Never mind that every wireless audio device has it's own DAC and amp. Wonder why he's not heartbroken over that?



You're viewing this through rose colored glasses. This chart seems to suggest that Apple is on the decline for three straight quarters:

And Apple has posted guidance of $45.5 billion and $47.5 billion for it's 4th quarter 2016, which is a decline from the $51.5 billion it earned in 2015. This despite market analysis that suggests a 5% growth in the smartphone industry as a whole.

But feel free to post your own "facts".

Speaking of which, the only survey I've come across would suggest that more than a "very tiny number of people" might give up the iPhone. And again, you're not even addressing the potential customers currently using Android who will not move over to Apple because it offers less than what they currently are using, and charging them more.

According to this article: http://www.macnn.com/articles/16/01...o.ask.apple.shoppers.what.they.thought.131986

Almost 20% of those polled said the loss of the headphone jack would be detrimental to the use. That's no "tiny" amount. Let's say even only 10% decide to not upgrade or buy an iPhone. 10% would be a staggering loss unlikely to be made up by sales of adapters and new headphones (especially if as you assert most will be using the free headphones anyway and not spending more money), and 20% would be absolutely terrible for Apple.

Frankly, I find your unsupported analysis just as flawed as the "Apple bashers". I'd rather not see Apple continue to slide, but it will and removing the headphone jack is going to contribute to it. You can continue to speculate based on past trends of iPhone sales -- none of which ever removed an important feature in wide use with a core function of the device -- but the truth will be known in a few short weeks. No need to debate it here with unsupported supposition, anecdotal evidence and gut feelings.

Moreover, every iPhone has had a list of compelling incremental updates such as this. Where's the "feature" that's going to stand out to those on the fence, and to the average customer? It's not likely some revolutionary feature has not been leaked -- when has that ever happened?

Again, there's nothing wrong with this iterative update. But there's nothing to captivate or stand out to the customer. And they're taking away the headphone jack. It's going to hurt them in the short term. But they will recover as I stated in my original post. I do have to admire your willingness to bury your head in the sand though.

Let's stick to the facts. You stated iPhone sales have declined for 4 straight quarters. It's still only two, no matter that you found an article that is predicting that it might decline in the third.

You're also gasping for air when you try and bolster your argument from an unscientific survey based on stopping people at a mall and asking them if it removing the headphone jack will impact them without explaining anything else about the new phone.

Finally, I don't have my head in the sand. Sales may in fact decline from the all time record previous Christmas season. There are also significant economic factors in the US and elsewhere. What I was responding to was your flawed analysis that "staggering" numbers of people will not buy the phone because of the removal of the jack, and no credible person is suggesting that Apple has an insane plan to sell fewer plans but is planning on making up for a loss in sales in phones by selling some adapter.

 

[Luckey Boots]

What view is this?

The sim trays popped out.

 

[Mildredop]

REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE BATTERY!? Are you serious!? Sorry that statement alone loses you all credibility.

Not enough room for components. a) Make iPhone slightly bigger. b) Make battery slightly smaller. c) Completely remove 3.5mm headphone jack rendering the vast majority of headphone useless without the use of an adaptor.

If I was sitting in that meeting, I know which would be my last choice.

 

[Mac 128]

Let's stick to the facts. You stated iPhone sales have declined for 4 straight quarters. It's still only two, no matter that you found an article that is predicting that it might decline in the third.

You're also gasping for air when you try and bolster your argument from an unscientific survey based on stopping people at a mall and asking them if it removing the headphone jack will impact them without explaining anything else about the new phone.

Finally, I don't have my head in the sand. Sales may in fact decline from the all time record previous Christmas season. There are also significant economic factors in the US and elsewhere. What I was responding to was your flawed analysis that "staggering" numbers of people will not buy the phone because of the removal of the jack, and no credible person is suggesting that Apple has an insane plan to sell fewer plans but is planning on making up for a loss in sales in phones by selling some adapter.

For starters, I posted a chart that shows the actual results from Apple's Q3 2016, which clearly you didn't realize that we're currently in Apple's Q4 2016, as their fiscal year starts on October 1. Wow. You're debating this subject and you don't even know that?

Tell you what. You post some links to actual facts to support your reasoning and maybe we'll have something to debate. At least I'm basing my ideas on something tangible whether you accept them or now. But so far I'm getting that you're not willing to be objective based solely on your own strong feelings about Apple. Since I don't expect you to actually provide any compelling evidence to support your position, I'll just wish you a good day now.

 

[Mildredop]

Ceteris paribus is clearly implied.

I think when you said you don't understand, what you meant is you don't agree.

No, I don't understand. I don't understand why Apple have taken this decision nor how it benefits their userbase.

Once I understand their reasons behind it, maybe then I can decide whether or not I agree with their decision.

 

[ITguy2016]

Your company has obviously not carried out proper research then has it - poor.

I'll say. Malware on Android is primarily a concern if you change the default configuration to permit app installation from third party app stores. Otherwise it's pretty much a non-issue.
[doublepost=1473028176][/doublepost]

Not enough room for components. a) Make iPhone slightly bigger. b) Make battery slightly smaller. c) Completely remove 3.5mm headphone jack rendering the vast majority of headphone useless without the use of an adaptor.

If I was sitting in that meeting, I know which would be my last choice.

While I haven't read all 46 pages to know if someone has brought this up or not I can say the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack affects more than just headphones. Many credit card readers plug into the jack. Losing the jack will require adapters or new solutions.

 

[AdamskiUK]

Here's why I love my Apple Products: I have a 5s. It's THREE years old, which is a lifetime when it comes to mobile devices. It still works flawlessly, and is still super fast. There are no gimmicks, nothing superfluous... and I bet I could get two more years out of it. I have friends with 3-year-old samsung, and they're dogs... glitchy and slow. I do professional design work on a 10-year-old Mac Pro. Still works great. I'll be upgrading both this year, but I don't need to. Yes, I paid more upfront, but saved much more in the long run. Can't wait to get my hands on the 7, 3.5 adapter and all.

You have to consider where tocks fell. The 5, for example, didn't fare so well without an update for 3 years. There is quite the gulf between the processing power in the 5S and the 5. I took my 5 up to iOS 9 beta and it literally died. It struggled on 8 as it was, but I figured that it didn't matter since I was getting the 6S that year anyway.

In general, you are correct. The longevity of Apple's products is great. It's pretty awful in Macs right now, as you might notice if you buy a current, pre-update Mac.
[doublepost=1473028718][/doublepost]

I'll say. Malware on Android is primarily a concern if you change the default configuration to permit app installation from third party app stores. Otherwise it's pretty much a non-issue.

First thing that came up when I googled 'malware on Google Play store'.

 

[ITguy2016]

First thing that came up when I googled 'malware on Google Play store'.

And? I didn't say there was no malware. I said it primarily affects those who use third party app stores. People, Charlie Millier for example, have snuck things past Apple to get their "malware" into the app store. Apple is not immune.

I'm an Android user (despite having an iPhone 6 sitting around collecting dust) and don't even think about malware. Malware is essentially a non issue for most people using the Google play store.

 

[Mac 128]

While I haven't read all 46 pages to know if someone has brought this up or not I can say the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack affects more than just headphones. Many credit card readers plug into the jack. Losing the jack will require adapters or new solutions.

This comes up a lot. Do you have any data on how many existing credit card readers which use the headphone jack are chip and contactless readers? If most such readers are the slide kind, won't they need to be upgraded anyway to relieve the merchant of the responsibility for credit card fraud? Not to mention accommodating customers who want to pay with Pay?

I would also expect that many card reader providers will want to keep their merchants in service and tied to them, such that competitors will offer free Lightning readers to lure merchants away, and existing providers countering with free readers. I've personally have received several offers in the mail recently for free BT contactless/chip readers.

 

[nordique]

Why do you characterize doubling of base memory, double max memory, new faster, more powerful processor, new stronger, sharper screen with better color, improved battery life, improved waterproofing, faster charging, Optical Image stabilization, new duo flash, new microphones, new better speaker sound and volume, new low light camera, new duo lens system, new color choices, new lightning headphones with duo interaction capability and other options, and improved BT, and that's just what has leaked, as a "very small upgrade?" Whether it makes sense for someone to upgrade is another matter, but this is an impressive list of improvements over the 6s, maybe the biggest total list of improvements in any year over the previous model.

First, it remains to be seen what the processor improvements will be beyond the purported higher clock speed. I haven't seen an A10 yet, stripped down and benchmarked; all I can use is history which so far shows most* "numbered" iterations being small spec upgrades. It's still on a 16nm process. Internal specs are what I would consider the largest selling point for myself and many other iOS fans....2GB of ram in the base model is staying so from a user experience pov, it's going to have the same multitasking prowess we currently get with the 6s/6s+. 3GB of ram in 7+ looks to be nice though. But then the + model has the attractive dual camera system as well. Worth it? Depends on who you ask. The current shooters are still very, very good cameras.

As for the rest of your points, 90% of that constitutes a very small upgrade in my eyes. Improved water proofing is great but the 6s was already pretty solid when it came to accidental submersions,

same resolution screens, same large bezels, adopted screen tech which yes is great on the iPad pro but isn't a "game changer" by any means (I'd welcome a resolution improvement over that feature...or both that feature + resolution improvement)

New colour choices might temp someone like me and others who it comes to sales but objectively is that an "upgrade"? It's just a colour!

The 6s plus already has OIS, they both have incredible cameras (but I am looking forward to the new cameras as well as I alluded to in my initial post) so the dual camera will be the most attractive feature of the new model

The biggest list of improvements of an iPhone to date - we'll need to wait until it's actually released for an official spec write up but at this point I disagree...some of those things aren't even upgrades to me at this point in time (namely the lack of a headphone jack, some people won't consider that an upgrade)

Then when you look at the current LTE and WiFi speeds of the 6s/+ and compare to purported speeds of the new Intel chips, yes the new ones are faster but 300mbps -> 450 mb/s is not the same as 150mbps (or lower) to 450

Oh yeah and they lack that "redesign flair" that has existed with every other numbered model to date

This happens every year ... One side says they are meagre upgrades the other side says they are the biggest yet generation to generation.

Let's keep it simple - it's a fantastic upgrade for anyone who thinks it will be.

 

[ITguy2016]

This comes up a lot. Do you have any data on how many existing credit card readers which use the headphone jack are chip and contactless readers? If most such readers are the slide kind, won't they need to be upgraded anyway to relieve the merchant of the responsibility for credit card fraud? Not to mention accommodating customers who want to pay with Pay?

I would also expect that many card reader providers will want to keep their merchants in service and tied to them, such that competitors will offer free Lightning readers to lure merchants away, and existing providers countering with free readers. I've personally have received several offers in the mail recently for free BT contactless/chip readers.

I don't know nor do I care. I am merely using them as an example as to why people may be upset with Apple removing the 3.5mm headphone jack. Credit card readers were just an example. I'm sure there are more.

 

[Analog Kid]

No, I don't understand. I don't understand why Apple have taken this decision nor how it benefits their userbase.

Once I understand their reasons behind it, maybe then I can decide whether or not I agree with their decision.

You do understand the reasons behind it-- better water resistance, more room for other stuff. You also understand that every decision is a tradeoff in a device like this and keeping the headphone jack would mean reducing the battery, changing the outline, or giving up something else. You understand that it benefits their usebase to the extent that it allows improvements to the waterproofing and the inclusion of more stuff without reducing the size of the battery or changing the outline.

There really isn't anything more to understand and I don't think it can be explained any better than you have already. You understand these things, you just don't agree with the tradeoffs that Apple chose.

Not enough room for components. a) Make iPhone slightly bigger. b) Make battery slightly smaller. c) Completely remove 3.5mm headphone jack rendering the vast majority of headphone useless without the use of an adaptor.

If I was sitting in that meeting, I know which would be my last choice.

Exactly my point. You would have made a different set of tradeoffs. Not because you don't understand the reasons, but because you have different priorities.

Apple makes 3 or 4 phones for millions of users-- finding the right combination of features and design is sure to leave some people dissatisfied.

 

[ITguy2016]

You do understand the reasons behind it-- better water resistance, more room for other stuff. You also understand that every decision is a tradeoff in a device like this and keeping the headphone jack would mean reducing the battery, changing the outline, or giving up something else. You understand that it benefits their usebase to the extent that it allows improvements to the waterproofing and the inclusion of more stuff without reducing the size of the battery or changing the outline.

There really isn't anything more to understand and I don't think it can be explained any better than you have already. You understand these things, you just don't agree with the tradeoffs that Apple chose.

Exactly my point. You would have made a different set of tradeoffs. Not because you don't understand the reasons, but because you have different priorities.

Apple makes 3 or 4 phones for millions of users-- finding the right combination of features and design is sure to leave some people dissatisfied.

My Galaxy S7 Edge is waterproof and has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

 

[0007776]

Sounds good except the lack of headphone support is still a deal breaker for me.