Will you miss the headphone jack? (iPhone 7 discussion)

[JessicaTam]

I know I am a week early as the product has yet to be launched, but it almost certain that Apple will not have a headphone jack on the next iPhone.

http://www.news.com.au/technology/t...7/news-story/eb3a069e668a8d2ad2b1ba46b197f592

The biggest change rumoured to be in the iPhone 7 is the removal of the headphone jack, with Apple iPhone users being forced to use an adaptor if they want to continue to use their favourite headphones when connected to the new iPhone through the Lightning port.

I don't have any Bluetooth headphones, so will need to look at alternatives if I choose to upgrade my iPhone.

Previously Apple have dropped seemingly vital items, such as 3 1/2" floppy disk drives, and CD/DVD drives.

Is this going too far? And will it affect users on aircraft with a strict 'no transmitters' policy?

 

[moa999]

The android phones that have launched with the 'feature' have come with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (obviously can't be used while charging).

I think it's a retrograde step given the relative cost and performance issues of Bluetooth headphones

 

[Simo]

There will be an adaptor for the iPhone so I will be fine...

i am probably going to get a new one on Friday...

I am liking the Jet Black

 

[JessicaTam]

I reckon a black 7+ will be an ideal replacement for my 6S and iPod mini 1st gen.

I would be too afraid of scratching the jet black.

I only have 2 pairs of headphones that I travel with so I only need to get one adapter separately. The only problem is not being able to charge whilst listening to it.

 

[bismarck]

Good motivation to bite the bullet and get bluetooth headphones. Headphone cables have been bothering me for years, and they're always the point of failure on my headphones so will be glad to be shot of them.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Good motivation to get an Android device.

 

[BAM1748]

Good motivation to get an Android device.

I'm not a great bluetooth user because of all the batteries and charging, sick of batteries !

 

[samh004]

Probably about time I replied... and the answer is, I can't honestly remember when the last time was that I stuck something in it!

I do have a temperature sensor gadget I bought on Kickstarter many years ago that I'll not be able to use anymore, but I haven't used it in the last year as it is! I think that says something. I have a bluetooth speaker that alternates between my mac and iPhone 6s, and Beats wireless headphones that I've been using with my iPhone since Christmas.

I understand a very very small group of users will have problems with high quality headphones that cost a lot of money to replace, but switching to a digital connection instead of the analog one currently in use would seem to fit the description of high quality headphones. That said, I'd rather the lightning connector was replaced with a USB-C port for all, as that's a tiny but fast port.

 

[Mattg]

This will absolutely put my off buying an iPhone 7. In fact, these sort of shenanigans from Apple will make me reconsider buying any of their products in the future.

What a terrible idea.

 

[teammongo]

Bluetooth headphones on the iPhone 7 will lead to quality loss. All data is compressed on Bluetooth and (mostly) lossy compression. The new audiophile compression is aptx, which offers a type lossless compression, is not available on iPhone 7 at the moment. Not a problem if your using ear buds on plane, but for high end headphones will be inferior.

 

[Pleb Status]

It should be noted that some audio sources will still need a cable for a long time to come (IFE for example). So if you are going to spend big money on wireless headphones, they need to be backwards compatible as well (Bose QC35 for example).

 

[DC3]

I'm getting the iphone7 as my current (4 year old) phone has a few issues. I will not miss the headphone jack as I have never used it.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Another who won't miss the headphone jack.
I'm getting a new iPhone on Friday. I haven't used the headphone jack since I got my QC 35s

 

[Pushka]

I use the headphone jack a lot. If future models likewise leave it out then I hope my current iphone lasts a very long time.

 

[codash1099]

............

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Cabled headphones? Didn't every computer have a cabled mouse a short while back?

 

[TheRealTMA]

I use the headphone jack a lot. If future models likewise leave it out then I hope my current iphone lasts a very long time.

Ah you old fuddy duddy. Next model you'll need Bluetooth corneal implants to see the phone screen and cochlear implants to listen! Vale Apple innovation!

Cabled headphones? Didn't every computer have a cabled mouse a short while back?

Don't forget the Apple ones had only one button because Steve didn't like users to be confused...

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Don't forget the Apple ones had only one button because Steve didn't like users to be confused...

Isnt the whole Apple v Android debate about as childish as Holden v Ford? Just askin'?

 

[Archphoto]

My concern is that the battery on the Bluetooth headphones/earbuds will expire waaaaaay before my iPhone when I'm in the air, as I use it in place of my iPod. One can only hope they have thought about possible scenarios such as:

1. How will I be able to listen to music when the Bluetooth headphones/earbuds are recharging?
2. How can I possibly listen to music if I have to recharge the phone - they use the same connection?

Guess we'll see how it all goes once it actually hits the streets.

 

[Daver6]

Isnt the whole Apple v Android debate about as childish as Holden v Ford? Just askin'?

Yes and no. Its more a debate about closer or open ecosystems.

Personally I think removing the headphone jack is pretty stupid. Up there with Apples decision to have a single USB port on a Macbook. Sure, there are and will be any number of adaptors you can buy that solve the problem (plug in multiple devices, charge and listen at the same time etc), but who wants the hassle of lugging around adaptors?