Possible iPhone 7 Headphone Jack Depicted in New Image

[monstruo]

The only people who want the headphone jack gone are turbo-nerds who think it's "old" and therefore "has to go".

Unlike floppies, CDs, and DVDs, the headphone jack is an important feature that is in no comprehensible way obsolete, and a significant portion of the userbase use it every single day.

(Heck, I even removed the optical drive on my MBP to stuff an SSD in. I'm not afraid to ditch things like that.)

Just to add on...

CDs, DVDs era became obsolete – it is simply inevitable since internet + cloud data is made easily available to public. And needless to say, it is heaps more convenient. From any logical standpoint, this is a major improvement over the CDs, I wouldn't want go back to those days, not missing it at all. And looking back now, even before apple stop supplying CD-drive on their computers, I didn't use it for years.

However, there isn't any compelling solution to replace 3.5mm jack at the moment. I don't understand the rush or the necessity to remove the jack for making the device thinner? more water resistant?

 

[AppleBottles]

Its just going to be a lightning cable but with a female audio jack at the end. Lightning is able to carry analog audio so it'll be using the same DAC the iPhone currently uses (which lets be honest, isn't exactly fantastic anyway so you're not getting audiophile quality for your custom in-ears or my expensive Senn's anyway) I'm literally not going to notice the difference between plugging into that and plugging into the headphone jack on the phone - which is precisely my point, this minor difference is not going to affect my life or my earphones or my enjoyment or using them in anyway what so ever. Hence why I can't muster up any ignorant or uneducated faux rage like many do on here.

How are you not going to notice a huge thing sticking out of the bottom of your phone? Potentially up to an inch long, stiff un-bendable garbage.

Even if you don't notice it while in use, you'll definitely notice it when you want to go somewhere and can't find it. Adapters are okay solutions for laptops in very specific usage cases (like connecting to a projector screen) but for daily use with smartphones? No, that's not gonna fly.

 

[dampfnudel]

It sounds more and more that the iPhone this September will simply be another "s" year or whatever and that Apple (like Intel), is prolonging their cycle to Tick-Tock-Tock.

Or maybe similar to what Intel recently revealed:

Process-Architecture-Optimization (6/6s/?)

May not translate completely, but it might be similar to Intel in that Apple is now using a 3 phase cycle with the iPhone. It could also be a temporary change due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

[atikalz]

I might be in the minority here, but we've been using this analog technology for decades now and I honestly wouldn't mind the push forward in technology, even if the 3.5mm standard is so widespread. Apple seems like the only behemoth that could pull this off. People went crazy when they ditched CDs/ DVDs, but where are they now?

And I'd really like a pair of wireless AirPods.

When CDs/DVDS were ditched, we had no longer stack and keep care and carry our data media. If we ditch the jack, we have to carry an adapter for our headphones with us every day. And what is the advantage?

 

[BenTrovato]

Interesting theory, though that did not hold for the Macbook and one port. I think you give Apple too much credit for planning this out, instead of finding ways to get more money from us Via accessories. They have a history of proprietary ports.....and accessories. Its the same old.

Sometimes we do give them too much credit. It depends though. In mature tech, like an iPhone now is and MBP's are, you tend to have 2-3, and 4-5 year roadmaps. They have planned out the next few iPhones based on advances in technology and what competitors are offering. The MacBook is a new line. When you want to go bold, you do it with a new line and it's often well received versus giving the Air a retina screen and reducing it to one port and upsetting people. Just basic marketing strategies, they're actually really safe moves that people think are bold.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

i've been using bluetooth headphones for over a year now. i can't imagine having to use a headphone cord anymore. i reject the thought of "turbo nerds"

in fact, i would rather have two usb-c ports on the macbook than a headphone port

 

[macs4nw]

Removing it for sake of thinness was never a legit reason, considering the Nanos are as thin as the headphone jack...

True enough. Improved water-resistance (or waterproofing) perhaps?

 

[libmanj]

I might be in the minority here, but we've been using this analog technology for decades now and I honestly wouldn't mind the push forward in technology, even if the 3.5mm standard is so widespread. Apple seems like the only behemoth that could pull this off. People went crazy when they ditched CDs/ DVDs, but where are they now?

And I'd really like a pair of wireless AirPods.

I disagree. It would be one thing if the lightning cable had some hope of becoming universal, but it doesn't. Apple would just be splitting up the market again.

 

[dampfnudel]

i've been using bluetooth headphones for over a year now. i can't imagine having to use a headphone cord anymore. i reject the thought of "turbo nerds"

in fact, i would rather have two usb-c ports on the macbook than a headphone port

Yeah, two usb-c ports should be the minimum on every MB. I'll take that in place of the headphone jack on the MB as well.

 

[Moi Ici]

I just got the Audeze "Sine" headphones that uses the lightening port.
Sweet sweet sound.

Maybe Apple should sell an adapter that allows a regular 3.5mm cable to be used in the lighting port, just to give people a chance to hear the improvements. Then, when they eventually do get rid of the 3.5" there won't be such horror....a little bit how people are cured of phobias like spiders....introduce it slowly slowly and overcome the fear. .

Having said that, the Sine does come with a cable with an integrated dac etc.

 

[zorinlynx]

All the people who are saying Bluetooth is a good alternative to wired headphones... Not really. At least not in my experience.

I have bought many different Bluetooth headsets/headphones over the years. I even bought two different models recently, and ended up returning them. Why?

The quality just isn't as good.

For music it's tolerable, but not as good as wired. For some reason Apple refuses to support high quality codecs like Apt-X for Bluetooth music.

For voice calls, it's utter crap. Bluetooth voice calls sound like scratchy AM radio. The person I'm talking to can't hear me as clearly. This is especially true with HD voice calls. I turn off the Bluetooth headset and the person I'm talking to sounds MUCH clearer and they go "whoah you sound much better now." Also, bluetooth calls always have increased latency which makes holding a conversation frustrating.

This has been the case with MANY headsets I've tried, well known brands like JBL, LG, etc. from cheap to very expensive. Bluetooth audio just isn't very good, and needs a revamp. Badly.

 

[Mac 128]

My bet this is what they'll do in this iPhone, it's better a transition than a bandaid being ripped off.


iPhone 7 with jack and introduce wireless airpods and price them high to pay for rnd and expectation they'll be free with iPhone 8, then Remove jack on iPhone 8, and give buyers free airpods and drop price accordingly for seperate airpods. Less a shock to consumers and everyone has headphones that work.

Apple will never give away free wireless EarPods, at least not anytime soon. But here's a thought, Apple might give away Lightning earbuds instead of the regular 3.5mm jacks, which would only affect new customers to iPhone. And then remove the jack next year. The only problem with that theory is that it would tip Apple's hat a year before they do it. And I don't see Apple doing that either.

The only people who want the headphone jack gone are turbo-nerds who think it's "old" and therefore "has to go".

Intel wants to see it gone too. You figure that's the same reason?

I think the dispute about the relevancy of wired headphone connection is very easy to resolve. Wireless headphones do work with the current phones and yet overwhelming majority of people prefer wired headphones. And as to the digital interface... it's easy too: same quality, more expensive, very inconvenient, requires volume control on the headphones, no tone control. Those who argue for this change are just victims of the Apple marketing strategy to look different (sometimes just for the sake of it)

Unless you've seen Apple's plans, you're skating to where the puck is currently. I'd bet you have no idea how Apple plans to implement digital controls of Lightning headphones.

How are you not going to notice a huge thing sticking out of the bottom of your phone? Potentially up to an inch long, stiff un-bendable garbage.

Wow, another forum guy who has access to Apple's design and engineering plans. Up to an inch long you say? You don't happen to have any spy photos do you?

Sarcasm aside, you do realize that they presently can put a battery, radio, antenna, DAV and amp in the space of a single earbud, and still produce high quality audio?

I disagree. It would be one thing if the lightning cable had some hope of becoming universal, but it doesn't. Apple would just be splitting up the market again.

This has nothing to do with replacing 3.5mm with Lightning, and everything to do with pushing wireless as the new, and eventual, standard. Lightning is just a band aide to get the die-hard wired people through it.

Yeah, two usb-c ports should be the minimum on every MB. I'll take that in place of the headphone jack on the MB as well.

When the iPhone drops the 3.5mm jack , they will at least replace it on the rMB with a Lightning port, which gives you separate charging capabilities, and USB 3.0 speeds.

 

[atikalz]

True enough. Improved water-resistance (or waterproofing) perhaps?

Samsung does this actually without killing the jack.

 

[GoodWheaties]

I stand corrected, you're right - though according to Wiki Lightning is capable of Analog Audio, but yeah, the Lightning dock has a DAC in too - perhaps they're planning something different (well to be fair it looks like they're just planning a headphone jack at the minute) - mind the DAC is so small in the iPhone and the Dock they could probably easily fit it within a lightning connector shell when thats the only dedicated function it has (eg no charging).

It actually would be kinda cool if they could tweak Lightning to be able to carry analog audio. Maybe use pins on top or something. I think I wouldnt mind that as long as I could get a Lightning cable for my ATH-M50x headphones.

 

[JesterJJZ]

No jack, no sale.

 

[Gusjasso]

It sounds more and more that the iPhone this September will simply be another "s" year or whatever and that Apple (like Intel), is prolonging their cycle to Tick-Tock-Tock.

It seems like they are cooking an iPhone 6 SE

 

[Aditya_S]

If that means no waterproofing - then

Samsung made the S7 water resistant with a head phone jack so they can do it on the iPhone 7 water resistant too

 

[Tech198]

That's not something they can switch on a dime though. My guess is it wasn't planned for this phone but Apple might ship lightening ear pods to signal where they're going and ease the transition.

Ya, like they eased the transition from the 30-pin to lightning ports by proving adapters.

 

[_mdavenport]

Oh interesting. The plot thickens...

 

[zorinlynx]

Ya, like they eased the transition from the 30-pin to lightning ports by proving adapters.

Which were too expensive at $40 a pop.

If Apple genuinely thinks they're doing a good thing by changing or removing connectors, they should sell the adapters at their cost to ease the transition. But nope, they're treating it as another profit center, so it's harder to respect their decision process.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

to be honest, the lightning port is literally the best kind of adaptor. i feel like in an alternate universe, that's the kind of adapter everybody gets on. Thin, reversible, awesome.

 

[Mac 128]

Which were too expensive at $40 a pop.

If Apple genuinely thinks they're doing a good thing by changing or removing connectors, they should sell the adapters at their cost to ease the transition. But nope, they're treating it as another profit center, so it's harder to respect their decision process.

The compact 30-pin to Lightning adapter is $29, which also passes through data, and charging, as well as includes an ADC and a complicated connector that isn't currently used in any other products aside from adapters. So I would expect Apple to offer a simple headphone adapter for around $20. Third parties will likely offer decent sounding ones for under $10.

Selling them at cost is not exactly in Apple's interest either. They're trying to encourage customers to move toward wireless or Lightning, which making affordable adapters to continue using their old equipment and buy less expensive analogue alternatives does not help. Hopefully they will not gouge with their usual markup, considering how many customers this will likely affect.

But based on Intel's current marketing efforts, Apple is unlikely to be alone. The saving grace here is that Android will likely offer their usual poor quality, low priced, alternatives that seem attractive until you actually start using them.

 

[Dr.Chroma]

I have A LOT of money invested in wired earbuds, as do A LOT of other Macrumor Users on here, so this article is optimistic for me. I do agree its a matter of time before the Jack is deleted. At this point, the 'iPhone 7' is most likely progressing towards mass production in July/August, any changes beyond this point would be unlikely, but then again, time will tell all.

 

[Costino1]

Im really confused about the iPhone 7. More and more, it seems like the iPhone 6S...S.... iPhone 6s Squared?

Same form factor? Im sure it'll be a bit speedier, but what else. Dual cameras on only one model?

 

[nia820]

I think apple leaked that rumor about removal of headphones jack to get a feel for how people would react to it gone. Maybe they realized it would be wise to keep it.

Also thiness is a lame excuse for removing the headphone jack. Lots of phones thinner and lighter than than iphone 6/6s have headphone Jacks.