Possible iPhone 7 Lightning to 3.5 mm Adapter Surfaces in New Photos

[Jimmy James]

You need a newer car (or at least a new car stereo). They tend to come with USB input and/or bluetooth, which would allow you to charge as you listen.

We have a different definition of "need". I agree, a new stereo would solve the issue, and it would be nice. But to spend many hundreds of dollars to upgrade the head unit on each car, solely to support a phone upgrade, isn't a realistic option for me.

 

[Redpoint]

I love adapters! Let's take a streamlined system and make it clunky. The 3.5 mm audio jack is a standard across all disciplines. I can't stand it when Apple pulls this kind of move.

 

[mr.bee]

I dont mind the elimination of the headphone jack but why not replacing it with an industry standard!? "Oh look, I have headphones with a lightning jack and I can only use it on my effing iPhone

 

[Mac 128]

So when and if this happens, I'll no longer be able to charge my phone at my desk while also listening to a podcast with headphones? Or sometimes watch a video during a break, so a vertical stand that has an audio passthrough would not be a solution either.

So, no chance of having it plugged in to speakers on your desktop and keeping it charged up so when you need to take it with you its not dead.

Good thing no one ever does that.

You'll buy the accessories that meet your personal needs, just like you do now.

This is but one adapter that serves a specific function -- it allows people who listen to music or make phone calls on the go, to plug in their existing headphones. This would be perfect for me since I rarely use headphones at all except to make a long call every now and then, when I don't want to hold the phone.

Of course there will be options to pass through power to charge and listen at the same time if that's important to some. Or do you believe Apple really never thought of that, and you are the first to notice?

 

[pjarvi]

Obviously a fake/3rd party frankenstein cable, Apple Lightning cables use gold on the data pins of the Lightning connector, the cable in the video uses aluminum.

 

[Three141]

I'm all for the removal of the 3.5mm jack it's had a great run but until it is gone we won't see a strong push for superior wireless headphones/technology.

I just don't get why Apple won't wait for the anniversary iPhone next year, take out the headphone jack and add a USB-C and throw in some beats wireless headphones and everyone is happy (well sort of).

 

[iosuser]

I predict many visits to the Genius Bar for having their Lightning port busted.

I'm still hoping this is not the case, really doing away with the headphone jack, but if it is in fact the case, no new iPhones for the children. My son uses his headphones all the time. Putting that adapter in his pocket, he'll break that port in no time.

 

[macuser82uk]

If the lighting adaptor is anything to go by apple leads they wont be lasting no more then a weeks so it just another scam for apple to make a few extra bucks.

Everyone puts their phone in the pocket the cable will soon be bent and no good for nothing personally I think it a silly mistake from apple and they are not looking after the customer


Bluetooth headphones are the answer here save loads of dollars on replacing leads all the time

 

[NZLou]

A collection of new photos and a video showcase a Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter, which has previously been rumored as a bundled accessory for the iPhone 7 this fall as a way to assuage users of the smartphone's long-rumored removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack. The adapter in today's photos was reportedly obtained from a Foxconn factory in Vietnam (via Tinhte.vn) [Google Translate], and the report's author believes it could be a genuine Apple adapter.

As shown in the pictures shared today, the adapter's cord appears short and visually similar to that of Apple's current adapters sold on its website, including the USB-C to USB and Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet accessories. The Lightning plug does not appear to fit particularly well into its sheath, but it's unclear if it might be an incomplete part, damaged during disassembly, or simply a knockoff product.

When the Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter is plugged into a device running iOS 9 or lower, the software displays an incompatibility message to the user, but when used on devices with a beta of iOS 10 installed, the dongle appears to work "immediately" without any issues. The author also notes that if headphones are plugged into both the standard headphone jack on a current iPhone and the adapter connected to Lightning, the device gives priority to the Lightning port for audio output.

While the adapter shown today could still potentially be a third-party product, it fits with Apple's design aesthetic and its ability to function with the large number of 3.5 mm headphones already in the wild could be a better solution than a previous, sketchy rumor that hinted at Lightning-enabled EarPods coming with the iPhone 7.

Regardless of whether this leaked adapter is a genuine Apple product or not, Apple's solution will undoubtedly be sleeker than most other current third-party solutions, but many users remain opposed to the removal of the headphone jack that will cause conflicts for users looking to use wired headphones and charge their devices simultaneously.

Article Link: Possible iPhone 7 Lightning to 3.5 mm Adapter Surfaces in New Photos

[doublepost=1469730882][/doublepost]maybe we won't need to use the lightning cable to charge, hmmm!

 

[Mac 128]

So, I may be entirely wrong about this, so, if you have more knowledge about the subject, please don't attack me.

Shouldn't a Lightning to 3.5mm converter have a DAC built in? My understanding is that Lightning ports only do Digital, and (most? all?) headphones need analog. I doubt that that cable has anywhere near a decent DAC built in, but, I will accept being completely wrong about it if anyone else knows better than I do.

You realize there are quality, well reviewed BT earbuds now, each one with a built-in DAC, amp, radio and battery, not much bigger than a regular earbud.

So yes, you are completely wrong about what is possible.

My lightening port is already finicky on my 6S+ when I charge my phone it most often wont connect unless I push it in cockeyed. Would hate to see how well this would work connected to headphones and a wire that moves around all the time.

Why is your defective Lightning port indicative of how the rest of us will experience this? I plug and unplug my iPhone 50 times a day. I have never once had a problem with any Lightning connector, ever. I had more problems with he 30-pin cables, and 3.5mm cables for that matter.

As the R&D timelines are fairly long for a phone, I'd say that Apple brought out the dock with the intent of removing the headphone jack in the near future.

It does underscore that any dongle/adapter will need to have a DAC - so no such device will appear as simple as what's been depicted in this topic.

And your statement is based on what?

 

[Shirasaki]

I don't care how good or bad this adapter is.

What I DO care is I need to carry something small and extremely easy to lose all the way around.

iPhone 6s Plus would be the last iPhone I buy. Next product, iPad+iPod combo.

Apple, thank you for your million-dollar-worth effort to remove headphone jack. You have potentially saved the planet by persuading a lot of people not buying new iPhone.

 

[Bawstun]

Horrible. Absolutely horrific decision and leadership. No excuse for this decision. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Just so bad.

 

[lolkthxbai]

Yes, but what if the two sections were parallel to each other, they wouldn't be longer than the current lightning part.

That would make the accessory too big then. Thats why I think the 30-pin to Lightning Adapter should only have been released with the cable version, not the single part that connects the two. You don't want some big bulky thing sticking out of the phone.

 

[lockhartt]

My lightening port is already finicky on my 6S+ when I charge my phone it most often wont connect unless I push it in cockeyed. Would hate to see how well this would work connected to headphones and a wire that moves around all the time.

Get a safety pin and a flashlight and pick all the compacted pocket lint out of your Lightning port.

99% of the time, that's the culprit when the connection is finicky.

Just fixed a coworker's iPhone yesterday with the same problem.

 

[smacrumon]

That would make the accessory too big then. Thats why I think the 30-pin to Lightning Adapter should only have been released with the cable version, not the single part that connects the two. You don't want some big bulky thing sticking out of the phone.

Nah, it really wouldn't be big nor bulky if done right.

 

[ddarko]

Yep, the sooner they do this, the sooner we will get better wireless headphones. And, the little bit closer we will get to become wire-free altogether.

I'm all for the removal of the 3.5mm jack it's had a great run but until it is gone we won't see a strong push for superior wireless headphones/technology.

I just don't get why Apple won't wait for the anniversary iPhone next year, take out the headphone jack and add a USB-C and throw in some beats wireless headphones and everyone is happy (well sort of).

For once I'd like someone to explain to me how the existence of the headphone jack has inhibited better wireless or all-digital headphones. It's taken as an article of faith that the analog jack has stopped progress but it's never explained how. If you prefer wireless or Lighting port-equipped headphones with integrated DACs, then go buy and use them on an iPhone with a headphone jack. The jack doesn't prevents you from plugging headphones into the Lightning port or syncing wirelessly.

If your new tech is so self-evidently better, it should battle in the marketplace and let users decide with their wallets. The fact that wireless or Lightning-equipped headphones has remained relatively niche in the headphone market after years of availability suggests that users don't perceive their superiority. The so-called "better" product isn't so superior if it can only gain market acceptance through Apple putting its thumb on the scale and making the incumbent universal technology inconvenient or difficult to use.

 

[EricTheHalfBee]

But Samsung is selling more phones than Apple this year...

And Toyota sells more cars than BMW while McDonalds sells more hamburgers than Fatburger. And your point is what, exactly?

 

[DCINKC]

I feel like I am one of the only people that couldn't care less if Apple gets rid of the headphone jack.

Nope. I suspect that a lot of people are indifferent to losing it.

 

[Shirasaki]

One thing is certain: Apple is unmatched for creating controversy. Recent examples like dropping skeuomorphism, switching to flat design, dropping Google Maps in lieu of Apple Maps, dumbing down software and reducing functionality, form over function, obsession with thinness at the expense of usability, single USB-C port, butterfly keyboard, dropping Mag Safe, and now eliminating 3.5 mm audio jack.

I don't know any other company this arrogant and don't care about customer feedback. One of these days it will bite them in the rear but until then, we'll keep seeing more of the same thing.

Until the day Apple suddenly realise it is NOT the god.
Another Nokia?

 

[Porco]

For once I'd like someone to explain to me how the existence of the headphone jack has inhibited better wireless or all-digital headphones. If you prefer wireless or Lighting port-equipped headphones with integrated DACs, then go buy and use them. But don't act like the analog jack somehow prevents you from plugging headphones into the Lightning port or syncing wirelessly.

If your new tech is so self-evidently better, it should battle in the marketplace and let users decide with their wallets. The fact that wireless or Lightning-equipped headphones has remained relatively niche in the headphone market after years of availability suggests that users don't perceive their superiority. The so-called "better" product is a joke if it can only gain market acceptance through Apple putting its thumb on the scale and making the incumbent universal technology inconvenient or difficult to use.

I agree entirely with your post.

I guess an argument against the headphone jack socket is it could possibly be preventing greater uptake of the alternatives - the fact it's there means most people won't use bluetooth or lightning headphones because of their respective disadvantages and negative aspects (note I'm not saying there aren't any advantages or positive aspects in some people's opinions). And if the market demand isn't there, why should more designers and manufacturers invest in producing bluetooth/lightning earphones/headphones?

As you suggest, if the alternatives were so much better for most people then they would have chosen them already, or would do naturally. So yes, it appears it's Apple "putting its thumb on the scale" (great phrase!) to artificially boost the chances of the technology it favours, regardless of the expense or inconvenience it causes to consumers in the short-term.

The short version is basically: like it or lump it.

 

[lolkthxbai]

Nah, it really wouldn't be big nor bulky if done right.

Sounds like you should start a kickstarter lol

 

[smacrumon]

Sounds like you should start a kickstarter lol

Nice idea.

 

[Shirasaki]

For once I'd like someone to explain to me how the existence of the headphone jack has inhibited better wireless or all-digital headphones. It's taken as an article of faith that the analog jack has stopped progress but it's never explained how. If you prefer wireless or Lighting port-equipped headphones with integrated DACs, then go buy and use them on an iPhone with a headphone jack. The jack doesn't prevents you from plugging headphones into the Lightning port or syncing wirelessly.

If your new tech is so self-evidently better, it should battle in the marketplace and let users decide with their wallets. The fact that wireless or Lightning-equipped headphones has remained relatively niche in the headphone market after years of availability suggests that users don't perceive their superiority. The so-called "better" product isn't so superior if it can only gain market acceptance through Apple putting its thumb on the scale and making the incumbent universal technology inconvenient or difficult to use.

Couldn't agree more.
Even though wired EarPods is prone to damage, I still hate many wireless stuff. Wifi, is a perfect example for this. After years of development, we still fail to see a product competitive enough against wired Ethernet. Same for wired headphone and wireless one.

I don't mention much about headphone jack in here but I also go against the move of removing it. Those android phone manufacturers are just blindly following what Apple rumours say, nothing much.

 

[AVEGA]

if the iphone 7 flops will the 7S or whatever have it again? Does apple have a history of hearing upset customers demands and reversing course after they made a decision ? my memory fails me.

 

[iBug2]

That thing doesn't look like it has a DAC in it.