Quick Takes: 'Why Hasn't Samsung Ditched the Headphone Jack Yet?'

[Mainyehc]

Quick Takes: the new MacBytes. I really miss those, and it's a shame the old links from that sister site are now dead. I had some saved in my bookmarks and I can't, for the life of me, open them (not even by using the Wayback Machine at archive.org).

Is there any chance you might have a backup of the site and could revive it for historical purposes?

 

[AnthonyHarris]

When it came to upgrading my phone last year after my 5s blew up from excessive heat in Greece, I stood weighing up the pros and cons of the 6s, 7 and 8... The thing that stopped me paying hundreds of pounds more was the lack of jack and I went for the 6s.

Having to remember headphones and an adapter wherever I go or spending another £100 or more on some lightening headphones (because Apples included earphones are crap) were not great options

Samsung was able to keep the headphone jack still provide water resistance. Allowing the customer to use both wired and non-wired solutions is a big plus for me. If you could get a new iPhone with the headphone jack I think it would be better, even if it was a fraction of a millimeter thicker.

 

[eddjedi]

What connector or wireless technology provides the low latency as the headphone jack does?
Low latency is critical for any work involving audio mixing.

Finally somebody who gets the problem.

 

[AnthonyHarris]

Yes, but before they removed the headphone jack, there were fewer (maybe none at all) companies paying Apple to use the Lightening tech on headphones. (as I think was mentioned in the original post). All amounting to more profit having cut the cost of production. Its a great business model, sure, but at what cost? Our cost, thats what.

Money saved by not drilling one hole... while still drilling several other holes. Sure.

Then they include a dongle in the box made of plastic and metal... that is made in some other factory by different sets of workers.

I bet it evens out...

 

[0837990]

Finally somebody who gets the problem.

Yeah! Well, these forums just seems like they are full of Apple users who just use their devices to consume, rather than to create. Apple has been alienating professionals and creators for a long time with their BS changes now. Removal of a jack based on a lie (water proofing, while Samsung can do it better with the jack present), and removal of all common ports and SD card slot on the MacBook Pro.... And eliminating their Aperture software. And and and... It's clear that Apple is catering to the regular consumers, rather than creators and professionals. Sad!

Makes me wonder when Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro X are being chopped, just like Aperture was. Staying with Apple, and basing my workflow on Apple actually kinda worries me, based on these recent choices they have done to professionals. They haven't even bothered to offer a solution or workaround.

I guess it's Apple's grand plan of becoming the post-modern and technology based equivalent of Louis Vuitton (yuck). I'd rather go with Microsoft than hang out with that bunch.

 

[BMox81]

Not only is the 3.5mm jack useful (especially when integrated with in-line microphone/click-controls) for audio, but it also does act as a great external radio(FM) wire.

They figured out what I don't want. What they're currently selling. So I moved over to Windows and Android, and am slowly getting friends and family in the "Mac" ecosystem to switch when they're on the lookout for new electronics.

If Apple decides they want me back, they can start selling actual personal computer products again. Instead of overpriced name-brand non-user-serviceable appliances.

Why would you go out of your way to make other people switch just because you did? Leave them to make their own choices.

 

[Falhófnir]

Why hasn’t Samsung ditched the headphone jack yet? Who says they will at all? Because apple’s marketing spin suggests ‘it’s the future’ doesn’t make it true - it still does a job, most headphones are still using said jack, if Samsung can keep it and offer everything else including the kitchen sink then why not?

 

[nebo1ss]

To change the Headphone Jack 2 things really need to happen
1) Majority of Headphone Manufacturers need to actually change their own jack
2) ALL devices using headphones need to change their sockets to suit

Same goes for all ports they want replaced by USB-C.
For example, HDMI isn't going to change until all the A/V devices change to suit. etc etc

Apple have still yet to realise that they are not the only people who use headphones!!
I don't think they realise either that they did not invent the Headphone Jack. It's not theirs to change!

It's similar to if Walmart started ONLY accepting Bitcoin. They won't last long.

Problem is the audio headphone jack has been a single standard. There is no replacement standard that headphone manufacturers can work with.

 

[I7guy]

Yes, but before they removed the headphone jack, there were fewer (maybe none at all) companies paying Apple to use the Lightening tech on headphones. (as I think was mentioned in the original post). All amounting to more profit having cut the cost of production. Its a great business model, sure, but at what cost? Our cost, thats what.

I’m still using my headphones with my iPhone 7.

 

[Jsameds]

Sigh, people have no vision. They just can't see past their own little bubble and can only seem to think about the present.

When smart headphones start to take off in the next few years, it will become obvious why Apple chose to ditch the headphone jack in 2016.

Until then people will continue to be annoyed, citing greed (despite bluetooth being an open standard...), simply because they can't see the bigger picture yet.

 

[0837990]

Sigh, people have no vision. They just can't see past the present and immediate future.

When smart headphones start to take off in the next few years, it will become obvious why Apple chose to ditch the headphone jack in 2016.

When smart headphones offer the same low latency as the jack is offering, and has been offering for decades, only then does it make sense.

Also, I kinda appreciate not having batteries stuck almost inside of my ears, considering the risks that lithium batteries pose. Yes, it's a small risk. But at the same time, I'm not willing to risk having a battery explode or start burning in the near vicinity of my ears! That wouldn't be very smart of me now would it, regardless if the earbuds was "smart".

 

[Jsameds]

When smart headphones offer the same low latency as the jack is offering, and has been offering for decades, only then does it make sense.

Latency doesn't even matter if you are just listening to music.

It's the overall experience that matters, not a single metric.
[doublepost=1521112271][/doublepost]

Also, I kinda appreciate not having batteries stuck almost inside of my ears, considering the risks that lithium batteries pose. Yes, it's a small risk. But at the same time, I'm not willing to risk having a battery explode or start burning in the near vicinity of my ears! That wouldn't be very smart of me now would it, regardless if the earbuds was "smart".

Yet you keep a device with a battery many times that size by your groin, in your hand, on your lap and next to your head.

 

[0837990]

Latency doesn't even matter if you are just listening to music.

It's the overall experience that matters, not a single metric.
[doublepost=1521112271][/doublepost]

Yet you keep a device with a battery many times that size by your groin, in your hand, on your lap and next to your head.

Exactly. The overall experience is the most important factor. Let's see how they stack up to each other:

Wireless earbuds advantage: No wires!

Wired earbuds advantage: no charging, no need for a specific charger, doesn't run out of battery, no battery degradation, lower risk of having to replace it within a year or two due to bad batteries, no risk of battery injuries, no latency issues, can easily be shared across multiple devices, no risk of signal drop or interference in areas with lots of bluetooth or wireless transmission (trains, subways, busses, etc). Also wired earbuds work better for conferencing, since bluetooth headphones switch to mono audio immediately when there is 2-way communication.

Now flip them around and you also have the cons. Wired earbuds have one con: They are wired.
The wireless earbuds cons are the same as the wired earbuds list of advantages.

And my phone is never in my ear or stuck on my head. It's an item that is loose in my hand, and can quickly be dropped or thrown away.

 

[Jsameds]

Wireless earbuds advantage: No wires!

Let's break that down and take a look at what it actually means:

- No wires to untangle for every use
- No wires to fray and damage over time
- No wires to tie you to your device
- No dangling wire if you only need one headphone
- No wires to get caught on things and to rip your headphones out of your ears/catapult your iPhone onto the pavement (has happened to me three times)
- Not limited to audio, can handle anything via data stream
- Can pair to your Apple Watch so you don't even need your phone on or near you to use them

And soon you won't even need a device to pair them to, they'll work as independent devices, which is those smart headphones I mentioned earlier.


The advantages of wireless headphones are already starting to tip the balance on wired, soon they will overtake and dominate.

I'm pretty sure people had these same conversations with regards to things like TV remotes, networking, cellular towers, mobile phones and everything else that has had it's wires replaced by wireless technology, and look what has happened there.

 

[Cloudkicker]

Shouldn't ask ITSELF why does the iPad still use the headphone jack?

Seems Apple is a bit insecure in its 'strategy'. "We started wearing our left shoe on our right years ago and you people are still wearing it the traditional way. Hmm? That's very odd... OF YOU!"

 

[0837990]

Shouldn't ask ITSELF why does the iPad still use the headphone jack?

Seems Apple is a bit insecure in its 'strategy'. "We started wearing our left shoe on our right years ago and you people are still wearing it the traditional way. Hmm? That's very odd... OF YOU!"

I think the reason Apple dropped the headphone jack on the iPhone is because they don't see it as a device anyone uses to create anything, but just consume media. The iPad and MacBook / MB Pro is still devices that are used to create media, and thus requires the headphone jack to function properly, specifically for audio creation, which has been one of Apple's biggest markets for years (Professional audio production). If they dropped the ball on those customers they could quickly loose A LOT (more) of their professional market.

 

[Jsameds]

Shouldn't ask ITSELF why does the iPad still use the headphone jack?

Seems Apple is a bit insecure in its 'strategy'. "We started wearing our left shoe on our right years ago and you people are still wearing it the traditional way. Hmm? That's very odd... OF YOU!"

Could be something to do with the fact that iPad is 4x larger than iPhone and has plenty of available space?

 

[dilbert99]

At the cost of battery space and aesthetics. Not saying it was a wrong decision, but for one, I like Apple's approach.

Battery capacity
iPhone 6 - 1810 mAh
iPhone 8 - 1821 mAh

I'd rather they kept the headphone jack, one reason I haven't upgraded from my iPhone 6

 

[eddjedi]

You're right that in the future wireless headphones may have overcome all of those obstacles. In the present, that makes them not fit for purpose. So much for a company that claims their products "just work."

 

[Stewie]

Because ditching the headphone jack would be a stupid thing for them to do.

It's something they have over Apple. For somebody who wants that jack, it's a huge advantage.

And I don't know anybody who doesn't want that jack. They're living without it, but they're not happy about it.

Honestly, at this point Apple should admit they made a stupid mistake and bring back the headphone jack for this fall's new iPhone.

Hi. I’m Stewie and I don’t want a headphone jack.

See now you know someone who doesn’t want one. I didn’t use it when it was on the phone so I didn’t miss it when it was gone.

 

[Jsameds]

Battery capacity
iPhone 6 - 1810 mAh
iPhone 8 - 1821 mAh

I'd rather they kept the headphone jack, one reason I haven't upgraded from my iPhone 6

In addition: Larger Taptic Engine, water resistance, dust resistance, 3D Touch, wireless charging, larger camera module and a stronger device frame.

Oh, and iPhone X - 2716 mAh
[doublepost=1521115176][/doublepost]

You're right that in the future wireless headphones may have overcome all of those obstacles. In the present, that makes them not fit for purpose. So much for a company that claims their products "just work."

Maybe that's why there is a headphone jack still included IN THE BOX. Nothing has been taken away, as much as people want to bleat that there has.

 

[dirtylilhobo]

I would rather have the head phone jack restored on iPhone. The generic head phones were much simpler and more reliable since they were a device that didn’t need charging.

 

[eddjedi]

Maybe that's why there is a headphone jack still included IN THE BOX. Nothing has been taken away, as much as people want to bleat that there has.

Yes brilliant, a clunky adaptor that means you can't listen to music and charge at the same time (really useful on a phone that runs out of battery after a few hours.) Great solution Apple

 

[Jsameds]

Yes brilliant, a clunky adaptor that means you can't listen to music and charge at the same time (really useful on a phone that runs out of battery after a few hours.) Great solution Apple

Clunky? It's tiny lol.

And if you want to listen and charge at the same time, use Bluetooth, or a lightning splitter, or if you're charging via your computer, use iTunes and the headphone jack on your computer.

It's really not that complicated but people seem to really struggle with the concept, 18 months on.
[doublepost=1521116530][/doublepost]

I would rather have the head phone jack restored on iPhone. The generic head phones were much simpler and more reliable since they were a device that didn’t need charging.

There is a pair of 'generic headphones' with a lightning connector included in the box.

 

[theluggage]

I got rid of my floppy discs years ago, and haven't looked back.

Not this old fallacy again: "Apple were right to remove X in the past, therefore they must be right to remove Y today."

Seriously?

Floppy discs died because they became useless: you needed a box full to distribute a major application, a drawer-full to back up a contemporary hard drive, and if a file would fit on a floppy it could also be emailed instantly around the world. They died - even the 120MB floptical versions - because they accounted for a significant fraction of the weight of a contemporary laptop. Even then, Apple phased out the floppy over several years (remember the modular G3 laptops where you could swap the floppy/CD drive for an extra battery?) By the time Apple dropped the floppy completely, a USB floppy drive in the cupboard for the occasional legacy file was all anybody needed (and in my experience, those rarely left the cupboard).

In the case of the Headphone jack, though, it ain't broke and doesn't need fixing. The advantages of having the DAC in the headphones vs. the DAC in the iPhone (which needs a DAC anyway for its internal speakers) are marginal-to non existent. Samsung have cracked the water-resistance issue. That leaves the argument that the space used a headphone jack forces a smaller battery - and hence shorter battery life: well, although it looks like the X does beat the S9 on battery life, it does so with a smaller battery (2716 mAh vs. 3000 mAh) so whatever the reason, its not because they sacrificed a couple of 100 mAh to fit in a headphone jack. Plus, I wonder if the battery life comparisons were done with both phones running their bluetooth radios and, periodically, topping up the AirPod batteries from the phone.

Finally - and this is the big nonsense here - at the end of the day, the presence of a 3.5mm jack has absolutely zero, nil, nada, no impact on anybody who does prefer to use Bluetooth or Lightning earphones.

I do, mostly, use BlueTooth, active noise-cancelling cans with my phone... but when their batteries run dry, they also have a 3.5mm lead, plus I have a couple of pairs of surplus, basic ear-pods, from iOS and Android devices past, secreted around various bags and locations. Also, on a plane, I want my decent headphones to have a 3.5mm input so I can plug them in to the in-flight entertainment.

The problem with recent Apple decisions like no headphone jacks on iPhones and all-USB-C connections on MacBooks, no more optical out on Macs etc. is that they strip out valuable little bits of flexibility, versatility and fall-back options. Its not innovation, its penny-pinching - on premium-priced high-margin products.