We reported last year that Apple was rumored to be ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack on the upcoming iPhone 7. Well, according to reports from supply chain sources, it’s all true.
The comments surfaced on Chinese microblogging service Weibo, from a user with a track record of leaking information about Apple products. Worth taking with a pinch of salt, but pretty close to an unofficial confirmation.
If Apple was to lose the standard headphone jack from the iPhone, it would be in favor of a multi-purpose Lightning port which could be used for both charging and audio output. Though, as many have noted, probably not at the same time. Unless the iPhone 7 comes with wireless charging, which is a distinct possibility.
Why would Apple want to lose a port that would render millions of pairs of conventional headphones obsolete? Well, for one thing, it’s really old technology, having been invented in the 19th century for telephone switchboards. The designers may feel that now is the time to make the switch, wireless headphones having finally come of age. Lightning port headphones already exist for those who prefer wires, and Apple will no doubt make an adapter for anyone wanting to keep their existing set.
More importantly, getting rid of the bulky 3.5mm port would allow Apple to make the next iPhone even thinner – reports suggest a thickness of 6.1mm, like the latest iPod Touch – and could make it easier to waterproof the device.
If true, which is looking more and more likely, it’s a typical Apple move – and has definitely been met with mixed feelings. Give it a few years, though, and everyone will have forgotten what wires even look like.
Supply chain sources unofficially confirm the rumors that the iPhone 7 won’t have a headphone port: https://t.co/rJ9JnOEOnw
— TapSmart (@TapSmart) January 5, 2016