Impacts of removing the headphone jack [MERGED]

[Dreamliner330]

I'm likely in a minority, no change there but I really don't mind that they didn't go USB-C. In fact I'm sort of glad in one way and that's because it won't hold Apple back in future developments.

By which I mean that Lightning was released onto the market in 2012 and it took a full 2 more years before USB-C finally came to market. I'm less than bothered that Apple aren't limited in that way.

Really it's not Apple that are preventing universal compatibility either. Just as we've seen for the past couple of years there's nothing preventing manufacturers from including all 3 standards in their cans. Lightning, USB-C and good old analog, have been included on headphones from some manufacturers for a while, no reason why they can't continue to do so.

There will also be a glut of converters and adapters flooding the market before long too. It's really not that much of a big deal as some people make out. There are those that will grumble about changing cables or using adapters.
Me, well I've been doing that sort of thing for a lot longer than even our new fangled digital audio existed with the likes of 3.5mm to quarter inch headphone adapters, so I don't think it's a big deal.

Adapters are bad. Always.

It's fine your used to it, but wouldn't it be nice to never need one?

 

[TrueBlou]

Adapters are bad. Always.

It's fine your used to it, but wouldn't it be nice to never need one?

Oh I can definitely see the benefits and I'm certainly glad when I don't have to use one. I just don't think it's the end of the world when I do

I'm hoping they'll get around to making a good sounding set of AirPods anyway, I'd much rather a wireless future than a wired one. They just need to make a wireless connection that sounds at least as good as wired can and I'll be a happy chappie

 

[Dreamliner330]

Oh I can definitely see the benefits and I'm certainly glad when I don't have to use one. I just don't think it's the end of the world when I do

I'm hoping they'll get around to making a good sounding set of AirPods anyway, I'd much rather a wireless future than a wired one. They just need to make a wireless connection that sounds at least as good as wired can and I'll be a happy chappie

I'm on board with that. Just never act 'happy' when you are in fact only 'tolerant'. That's a recipe for complacency.

Heck, I'm happy that I have an adapter that can plug into my phone without needing to take the case off...Unlike to 1/4 to 1/8 adapter, but I switched to a different audio player for hi-fidelity long ago. The iPhone has been relegated to car play and on-the-go only.

 

[TrueBlou]

I'm on board with that. Just never act 'happy' when you are in fact only 'tolerant'. That's a recipe for complacency.

Heck, I'm happy that I have an adapter that can plug into my phone without needing to take the case off...Unlike to 1/4 to 1/8 adapter, but I switched to a different audio player for hi-fidelity long ago. The iPhone has been relegated to car play and on-the-go only.

Ha, fair point. I must be getting too laid back in ma old age, need to do something about that

Though I am happy they didn't wait around for USB-C, that lot need to get their finger out when it comes to making changes.

 

[BobVB]

5-years and no Android phone will have a headphone jack either. HTC is already pushing a phone this year that won't have it.

The real crime is Apple didn't switch to USB-C to allow universal compatibility of headphones and connectivity.

The USB-C audio protocols aren't fully defined yet as this article explains.

http://www.androidauthority.com/3-5mm-audio-usb-type-c-701507/amp/

Once they are, I wouldn't be shocked to see Apple switch away from lightning to USB-C, but for this phone they just couldn't insure compatibility between how they wanted their equipment interface with USB-C peripherals vs how android manufacturers might implement it.

Better to have separate lightning and USB-C products rather than potentially incompatible USB-C implementations for now.

 

[Mac 128]

5-years and no Android phone will have a headphone jack either. HTC is already pushing a phone this year that won't have it.

The real crime is Apple didn't switch to USB-C to allow universal compatibility of headphones and connectivity.

There is no crime. The crime would have been throwing over half-a-billion customers under the bus and make them switch all of their Lightning cables and accessories to USB-C after just going through that 4 years ago. The crime would have been making them switch to a new "standard" that has no market penetration, which cables are expensive and hard to find. I can't imagine the uproar from not only removing the headphone jack, but making all Lightning accessories and cables obsolete. Especially when Apple will likely remove all ports from the iPhone by the time USB-C sees any wide spread adoption.

Adapters are bad. Always.

It's fine your used to it, but wouldn't it be nice to never need one?

This is a pipe dream. Even if Apple embraced USB-C, people would still need to use adapters for many years to come for all the devices left on earth that won't have it. Having a new wired standard is pointless for mobile audio, especially in the cusp of wireless everything.

Apple will never switch to USB-C on the iPhone, and they will likely double-down on Lightning yet again, by expanding it to the Mac, where Apple already employs it as the charging method on its Mac peripherals. There is no good reason for Apple to ever drop Lightning for the short time it remains as a mobile device connector in Apple's line-up.

 

[Melrose]

There is no crime. The crime would have been throwing over half-a-billion customers under the bus and make them switch all of their Lightning cables and accessories to USB-C after just going through that 4 years ago. The crime would have been making them switch to a new "standard" that has no market penetration, which cables are expensive and hard to find. I can't imagine the uproar from not only removing the headphone jack, but making all Lightning accessories and cables obsolete. Especially when Apple will likely remove all ports from the iPhone by the time USB-C sees any wide spread adoption.

Finally some common sense perspective for a change.

 

[MarkB786]

Positive impact is that it got me looking for a new Bluetooth headset. Love the Bose Soundsport I found, so that is a benefit! Don't think I will be going for the Apple wireless buds, though. At least based on pictures, I don't think I like the way they look with that long bar sticking down below the ear. Maybe if they came out with a more subtle black color.

 

[mr.bee]

If there's a lightning plug on the new rmbp in October, then they'll take that connection serious. If not, then expect it to be gone in 2 generations. You'll charge and listen wireless then

 

[Just1n12]

Personally I'm used to no headphone jack on my 7+ already but others won't be, and that's fine. That's why they include an adapter in the box.

 

[GlenK]

I got a 7 and the jack works fine. No issues with the move.

 

[CTHarrryH]

To me the issue is the only 1 connection - same issue as on the Mac Book. If there were two lightning it would be ok - just one - not ok

 

[Mac 128]

To me the issue is the only 1 connection - same issue as on the Mac Book. If there were two lightning it would be ok - just one - not ok

Why does it have to be two?

 

[bulbousnub]

Apple will never switch to USB-C on the iPhone, and they will likely double-down on Lightning yet again, by expanding it to the Mac, where Apple already employs it as the charging method on its Mac peripherals. There is no good reason for Apple to ever drop Lightning for the short time it remains as a mobile device connector in Apple's line-up.

Apple uses USB-C to charge the new MacBook though?

 

[QquegChristian]

Just upgraded to the iPhone 7. I've been staunchly against the removal of the headphone jack since it was only a rumor. But the lightning jack on my 2 year old 6 is now so loose that I'd often wake up in the morning to find the phone had not even charged. So I could either pay to fix it, upgrade to an out of date phone to keep the headphone jack (the 6s) or accept the adapter life I'll eventually have to accept.

A few observations from someone who has mixed the audio for a few indie films. I know a bit about audio, but I'm not nearly as obsessive as some audiophiles. I was quite happy with the sound signature, power, and quality of previous iPhones. They've always had a great sound for casual listening. Not high resolution or perfectly accurate but very pleasing. In other words, good enough for me when paired with my Sony MDR-1 headphones, which are also really great for casual listening. My particular Sony MDR-1 cans actually have an interchangeable Lightning cable, but they require separate charging via micro USB to use the onboard electronics, and don't sound particularly better that way. They're a little more airy and accurate that way, but the highs can get fatiguing when listening for long periods. Lots of sibilants especially.

So I just plugged in Apple's headphone adapter on the new iPhone 7. The sound is different than my iPhone 6. Don't know about the 6S. I wouldn't say it is worse, just a little different. Seems like the highs are slightly sharper at higher volumes. This is likely closer to accurate, but it can also tire your ears out. Not the same but not worse, so cool.

However, there's a whole lot of clicks going on as the adapter's amp is likely turning off and back on any time a new song loads or you switch apps or pause. Not the end of the world, but a sloppier implementation than I'd expect. I'm just confused as to why these clicks weren't there when things were internal, yet exist with the adapter.

Then on a purely aesthetic side, that white adapter looks pretty stupid at the end of my black headphone cable, going into my black iPhone. Seeing as Lightning EarPods come in the box, I'd say 99% of those adapters are attaching to black (non-Apple) headphone cables.

There was a very non-techie guy getting help with a MacBook at the Apple Store as I was there. Then he started asking about the iPhone "7S" as he called it. He must have meant "7 Plus". It took the employee 10 minutes to explain the missing headphone jack to this guy and I still don't think he ever wrapped his head around it. One thing I wasn't too happy with, was that the employee would pretty much only tell the guy about wireless headphones. I don't know if this is a policy, but the customer was specifically asking how to plug any headphones in, then went down a long and confusing path that went over this guy's head and without ever mentioning the adapter. I could've handled his question in very easily, "You can connect wireless headphones via Bluetooth which is the new big thing. The headphones that come free in the box now connect HERE to the Lightning port. If you have your own favorite pair of headphones, we also include a small adapter, free in the box, to plug those into that same port." Done. Question answered. Not 10 minutes of trying to convince a confused older guy that he doesn't need wires at all, and not when Apple doesn't even sell the Airpods yet!

 

[BobVB]

But the lightning jack on my 2 year old 6 is now so loose that I'd often wake up in the morning to find the phone had not even charged.

Just FYI - that for me has always been due to a small pad of pocket lint building up in the base of the phone's port pushing the plug gently out. Quick 'mobilization' with a wooden toothpick, blast of compressed air, loss of basically a felt pad, and the cable is back to connecting reliably.

 

[Mac 128]

Apple uses USB-C to charge the new MacBook though?

Yes. I wouldn't be surprised if every USB-C port on the MBP could be used as a power port, as it would be confusing to try and distinguish that only one specific identical port could be used for charging. Of course Apple would have to ensure that only one power source could be plugged in at a time. That doesn't seem too hard though as the Belking Lightning/audio/power adapter seems to only allow one ouch regardless of port used.

However, if Lightning is an option, I know I would almost always chose that as a charging port over taking away one of my more capable data ports, unless I used Lightning headphones, or needed to use a Lightning adapter. But the point is, all of Apples ports can be used for anything a customer needs with the right interface.

 

[Qbnkelt]

Been using the Lightning headphones since receiving my iPhone 7. Stopped using my BT to test how I'd use this phone.
To me the sound is fine.
Haven't had one single instance where I've needed to listen and charge at the same time.
As I expected, no impact at all.

 

[simonmet]

I like the physical design of the lightning connector a lot. It has a good "click" feeling when you connect and disconnect a cord and the connection itself is very solid and robust. It's significantly better than the mini and micro USB standard whose connectors and cords vary greatly in quality and don't cope well on the go or when cables move, causing a loss of signal.

Apple did a great job designing Lightning from a physical perspective. What I don't like is their licensing of the standard. Apple complains when other companies impose excessive license fees but are happy to do it themselves and enforce certification onto others.

I've never seen or tried USB-C yet so I'm interested to know whether they improved the connector physically or not. My guess is they did somewhat but still not to the level of quality of Lightning. I can't see Apple abandoning Lightning because there's no great imperative from their perspective and they make a lot of money on cables and the standard itself. Apple is one of the few companies big enough to be able to support the ecosystem of a connection standard of their own.

 

[QquegChristian]

Just FYI - that for me has always been due to a small pad of pocket lint building up in the base of the phone's port pushing the plug gently out. Quick 'mobilization' with a wooden toothpick, blast of compressed air, loss of basically a felt pad, and the cable is back to connecting reliably.

I tried using an air blower on it that is made to clean camera lenses without luck. The toothpick is a good tip. I'll have to try before trying to trade in or sell. After two years, the battery had lost at least 20% of its charge, and that was reason enough to upgrade, besides the port issue.

Switched to Apple's every year upgrade plan. I'm really all-in with the iPhone at this point.

 

[Chorx]

I tried using an air blower on it that is made to clean camera lenses without luck. The toothpick is a good tip. I'll have to try before trying to trade in or sell. After two years, the battery had lost at least 20% of its charge, and that was reason enough to upgrade, besides the port issue.

Switched to Apple's every year upgrade plan. I'm really all-in with the iPhone at this point.

I just wanted to chime in. I sleep with my phone under my pillow and I too had an issue with my lightning port on my 6s after 6 months. Tried all the toothpick, blow it out tricks in the book.

I dropped the phone, the device had absolutely no signs of damage, it just wouldn't turn on. I understand that this alone puts it in the "non warranty" zone, but after consulting Apple they cited the loose "damaged" lightning port as the out of warranty incident and charged me $299.

Just a fun note, those loose ports are real, Apple classifies them as physical abuse and you'll get charged the price of a new phone to have it replaced.

 

[dsjr2006]

USB-C is not ready for primetime or at least the makers need to get their act together. Many of the standards that would make USB-C okay for iPhone are not ready yet or were just finalized this year, I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple adopt it across more products in the very near future, but it definitely was not ready for iPhone levels of adoption when the iPhone 7 was in development/testing. And there is a definite reason for Lighting licensing, it's to help ensure issues like the ones listed below don't happen.

http://www.belkin.com/us/Resource-Center/USB-C/USB-C-counterfeits/

http://www.androidcentral.com/new-u...on-spec-can-stop-faulty-cables-they-do-damage

http://gizmodo.com/cheap-usb-c-cables-could-kill-your-phone-or-laptop-1757115350

http://www.androidcentral.com/usb-c-problem-isnt-going-away-anytime-soon

 

[5105973]

I just wanted to chime in. I sleep with my phone under my pillow and I too had an issue with my lightning port on my 6s after 6 months. Tried all the toothpick, blow it out tricks in the book.

I dropped the phone, the device had absolutely no signs of damage, it just wouldn't turn on. I understand that this alone puts it in the "non warranty" zone, but after consulting Apple they cited the loose "damaged" lightning port as the out of warranty incident and charged me $299.

Just a fun note, those loose ports are real, Apple classifies them as physical abuse and you'll get charged the price of a new phone to have it replaced.

I don't mean to lecture you, but you may not be aware that it's extremely dangerous to sleep with any phone containing a lithium ion battery under your pillow. Especially if it's been subjected to a drop or any kind of damage. Lithium ion batteries are very volatile when physically stressed.

Everyone apparently has heard of exploding Note7's by now but not everyone is aware that there have been spontaneously combusting iPhones and other makes and models of phones, too. People have been injured and property has been damaged.

The reported instances where iPhones have ignited in pants pockets or backpacks have generally followed incidents that likely resulted in non visible damage or have been subject to punctures, breaks and bends. As a Note7 owner I have gotten something of a crash course in phone and battery safety and it has been an eye opener. It is not just a Note 7 phenomenon. iPhones can explode too under the right conditions and sitting on them while they are tucked in back pockets or squishing them under a pillow is definitely one of those conditions. Anyway, please pardon my interruption, I just want a fellow forum member to be safe.

 

[idoccurt]

I'm sure the guy now owns a 7.

 

[Chorx]

I don't mean to lecture you, but you may not be aware that it's extremely dangerous to sleep with any phone containing a lithium ion battery under your pillow. Especially if it's been subjected to a drop or any kind of damage. Lithium ion batteries are very volatile when physically stressed.

Everyone apparently has heard of exploding Note7's by now but not everyone is aware that there have been spontaneously combusting iPhones and other makes and models of phones, too. People have been injured and property has been damaged.

The reported instances where iPhones have ignited in pants pockets or backpacks have generally followed incidents that likely resulted in non visible damage or have been subject to punctures, breaks and bends. As a Note7 owner I have gotten something of a crash course in phone and battery safety and it has been an eye opener. It is not just a Note 7 phenomenon. iPhones can explode too under the right conditions and sitting on them while they are tucked in back pockets or squishing them under a pillow is definitely one of those conditions. Anyway, please pardon my interruption, I just want a fellow forum member to be safe.

I actually appreciate your input. I'm aware of the dangers-- however sometimes hearing people re-iterate how dangerous it is can be jarring. I'll try and be more careful. Especially now that I have a son on the way, the last thing I need is a phone blowing my face off in the middle of the night.