Impacts of removing the headphone jack [MERGED]

[anonymous guy]

Since you obviously went to the iFixit site to get the image, you surely read that the plastic "bumper" is an audio channel for the mic, which also provides pressure equalization for the sealed phone, via those functional holes.

I will concede not knowing the purpose of the plastic piece outside of water resistance.

And what about Lightning headphones frequently "cutting out"? I've got a pair and they function perfectly. And what reliability issues with Bluetooth? Maybe you're using the wrong set of BT headphones. Have you tried a pair of W1s?

Perhaps I could own a better bluetooth headset to pair with the phone, however, my primary go to headphones have always been a wired set of in-ear monitors. Most consumer level bluetooth headset options I've demoed in-store appear to favor muddy bass over sound accuracy.

Discussion of Lightning headphone reliability can be found here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/lightning-headphones-not-always-working.2012535/

Discussion of bluetooth reliability issues with cars is discussed here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/iphone-7-and-bluetooth-car-audio.1997414/

The digital vs. analog audio was another argument towards the move to remove the jack - but doesn't a digital source does need to be converted to analog vibration to produce sound?

And there's no mixed message. Apple told us why they removed the headphone jack -- they needed more room. The MBP has more room. It's also used by people who don't use iPhones, so Apple can't control the experience as well and must service those who don't -- just like Beats headphones mostly still use micro-USB instead of Lightning for charging. There's also no real market for USB-C headphones yet. And Apple clearly wasn't prepared to add Lightning to the MacBook. If Apple sold USB-C headphones, it might be a different story, but that doesn't make a lot of sense to put two competitions audio standards on the table within a month of each other either, to the extent Apple even intends to support USB-C as an audio connector. Apple didn't put USB-C charging cables in the iPhone 7 box either, for good reason -- 200 million iPhone 7 customers over the next year vs. less than 15 million MBP over the next year -- in the meantime a lot of incompatibility and inconvenience for their iPhone customers who don't use MacBooks.

It seems to be a mixed message because Apple likes to promote device interaction within the Apple ecosystem. While many casual iPhone users may sync their devices to PCs (or in some cases, use them as a standalone device) - Apple likes to promote iPhone/iPad to Mac/MacBook ecosystem interaction to share messages, notes, calendar dates, photos, videos, etc. between Apple devices.

Syncing via iCloud and sharing via AirPlay is a solution to get away from the iDevice to wired tether, however, many consumers still connect their iDevices to their Macs to sync via iTunes. To connect the latest iPhone 7 to the high-end 2016 MacBooks, you would require a dongle, much like the headphone solution for the missing headphone jack.

I believe it is a mixed message because Apple talked about the need to remove the headphone jack to push the industry forward - then release their modern MacBook models with no standard USB jacks to directly connect the iPhone to the MacBook. And while the MacBook switch to USB-C is intended as a way towards future proofing, they also carry the infamous headphone jacks they declared obsolete just months prior. Apple should care little about causing a stink with PC inconvenience if they didn't care about causing inconvenience with headphones.

Since Apple insists on using lightning ports with their iDevices, one way they could've avoided these mixed signals would be to bundle the iPhone 7 with lightning to USB-C cable with a USB-C charging brick.

Thankfully, the "antiquated" 3.5mm headphone jack is still available in the MacBook models, as it would cause quite a stink for musicians who like to use their computers for recording and production purposes.

 

[normanfox]

Apple has a history of killing legacy ports. and live moves on. a couple years from now, this will be a thing of the past that anyone can barely remember.

 

[richardmu]

Can't remember the last time I used a headphone jack on any of my Apple devices. Wireless is the way to go!

 

[david1990]

I think that the removal of the headphone jack by Apple was quite of an eager and selfish act. They basically got rid of it because it wasn't making them any profit as they don't own the creation of that jack/not a proprietary port therefore, the brands that make headphones and accessories with that jack have to pay 0 royalties to Apple. They got rid of it so now brands make all new accessories with their lightning port (and also pay them to use the lightening port, how convenient) while now making profit and labelling it as a "courage" act and the intention of "moving on" and "wireless is the future" not really. If they firmly believed wireless was the future, they'd ship the AirPods with the iPhone 7 rather than a lightning EarPods with a cheap adapter. Not cool, on top of it, they don't even ship it with a plastic box anymore (zzzz)

 

[nickbarbs]

I had an entertaining read going through and seeing the apple apologists justify the removal of a critical component of a communication device. Bluetooth headphones that need to be charged every day. Carrying around earphones that take space and have no use for any other device than an iPhone 7. Managing an adapter on your earphones and fumbling around looking for this. Don't you guys have enough with your day job?

The best thing about the iphone 7 is that I was able to pick up an iphone 6s plus 128gb for 415£, with a headphone jack which I require to listen to my 715£ Westone w60s.

I use my phone at work almost like a laptop and it is always plugged in while I'm on my headset taking calls at the same time.

I have several friends ditching apple and trying the Google pixel just because of this kind head phone jack update.

Being able to use 99% of earphones with mics and change them between my android and iphone devices is freedom. Managing a Bluetooth cable charge / dealing with two earphones / not being able to charge the phone while using the headset for the iPhone 7 is a show stopper for me as a work tool; I have other things to do than babysit my mobile phones.

Apple's hubris is impressive but those of you who convinced yourself this is acceptable is even more impressive. I plan to hold on to this 6s plus for a long long time.

 

[Phoenixx]

There was a time way back in 1999 with the introduction of the iMac that Apple removed the 3.5" floppy disk.

The Apple community at the time screamed bloody murder and buried Apple with negative publicity.

Apple survived.

They will survive this too.

PS. You have to wonder about those who want the iPhone but can't let go of the 19th century technology that is the headphone jack.

You also have to wonder about those who want to use tech in general but can't let go of the 18th century technology that is the QWERTY keyboard layout. Why aren't Apple getting rid of that too

It's pretty hypocritical to target the 40 year old headphone socket and say it should be got rid of, while ignoring the 138 year old standard that is the QWERTY keyboard, which was DESIGNED to slow down typing speeds, because early typewriters would jam with a more efficient layout.

Maybe the keyboard layout has stayed, because QWERTY is the standard layout for keyboards, just like the 3.5mm socket is the standard connector for headphones.

 

[eyoungren]

You also have to wonder about those who want to use tech in general but can't let go of the 18th century technology that is the QWERTY keyboard layout. Why aren't Apple getting rid of that too

It's pretty hypocritical to target the 40 year old headphone socket and say it should be got rid of, while ignoring the 138 year old standard that is the QWERTY keyboard, which was DESIGNED to slow down typing speeds, because early typewriters would jam with a more efficient layout.

Maybe the keyboard layout has stayed, because QWERTY is the standard layout for keyboards, just like the 3.5mm socket is the standard connector for headphones.

Don't bet that Apple isn't working on a way to get rid of it.

And don't think that when they do I won't be happy to see it.

 

[Man on the moon]

I think that the removal of the headphone jack by Apple was quite of an eager and selfish act. They basically got rid of it because it wasn't making them any profit as they don't own the creation of that jack/not a proprietary port therefore, the brands that make headphones and accessories with that jack have to pay 0 royalties to Apple. They got rid of it so now brands make all new accessories with their lightning port (and also pay them to use the lightening port, how convenient) while now making profit and labelling it as a "courage" act and the intention of "moving on" and "wireless is the future" not really. If they firmly believed wireless was the future, they'd ship the AirPods with the iPhone 7 rather than a lightning EarPods with a cheap adapter. Not cool, on top of it, they don't even ship it with a plastic box anymore (zzzz)

Great post.

I noticed apple has cut cost everywhere lately. Though prices keep going up.

Basically removing or not including things they previously would.

Now some of these are not important but it did happen.

The plastic casing for EarPods,removal of magsafe connector (More macs sold ?),no little black microfiber cloth in MBP, no Extension Cord from MBP,removal of headphone port and all other ports in MBP.

Lightning EarPods do not work on ANY mac so they have to be sold side by side with 3.5 EarPods.

The newest state of the art MBP has 3.5 headphone jack.

I love apple products but some decisions lately have been odd and i know there are many people on this site who believe apple can do no wrong.

Headphone removal was silly and yes i own bluetooth headphones but i purchased these when my 6S had an audio jack.

No need to remove it.

Call me crazy but i almost feel as if the build quality of the 6S was better because i always hear little creaking sounds on my 7 plus model.

 

[Mike5254]

I still have the boxes of my iPhone 5/5s and still haven't used the earphones. Never used the iPhone jack since Bluetooth headphones/earphones was created.
I guess I'm ready for what's next with the latest tech.

 

[potentmf]

I think that the removal of the headphone jack by Apple was quite of an eager and selfish act. They basically got rid of it because it wasn't making them any profit as they don't own the creation of that jack/not a proprietary port therefore, the brands that make headphones and accessories with that jack have to pay 0 royalties to Apple. They got rid of it so now brands make all new accessories with their lightning port (and also pay them to use the lightening port, how convenient) while now making profit and labelling it as a "courage" act and the intention of "moving on" and "wireless is the future" not really. If they firmly believed wireless was the future, they'd ship the AirPods with the iPhone 7 rather than a lightning EarPods with a cheap adapter. Not cool, on top of it, they don't even ship it with a plastic box anymore (zzzz)

I agree with your entire post. I know the excuse will be because the Air Pods weren't ready to be released. But, if you are pushing for change, at least a set of Bluetooth headphones should have been included.

 

[timeconsumer]

I had an entertaining read going through and seeing the apple apologists justify the removal of a critical component of a communication device. Bluetooth headphones that need to be charged every day. Carrying around earphones that take space and have no use for any other device than an iPhone 7. Managing an adapter on your earphones and fumbling around looking for this. Don't you guys have enough with your day job?

The best thing about the iphone 7 is that I was able to pick up an iphone 6s plus 128gb for 415£, with a headphone jack which I require to listen to my 715£ Westone w60s.

I use my phone at work almost like a laptop and it is always plugged in while I'm on my headset taking calls at the same time.

I have several friends ditching apple and trying the Google pixel just because of this kind head phone jack update.

Being able to use 99% of earphones with mics and change them between my android and iphone devices is freedom. Managing a Bluetooth cable charge / dealing with two earphones / not being able to charge the phone while using the headset for the iPhone 7 is a show stopper for me as a work tool; I have other things to do than babysit my mobile phones.

Apple's hubris is impressive but those of you who convinced yourself this is acceptable is even more impressive. I plan to hold on to this 6s plus for a long long time.

Both my GF and I tried out the iPhone 7 for about 6 weeks. We tried bluetooth headphones which we did not like; it's another device to keep charged and the audio quality wasn't as good in my opinion. As per the recommendations of this thread we then attached the adapters to our main headphones that we prefer and still did not like it. We found that occasionally we wouldn't get any sound and would have to unplug the adapter and plug it back in. We've since picked up two Google Pixel's to test out and we've had them for approximately 10 days now, we will be passing our iPhone 7's to the other lines on the account. They don't use headphones at all so this will be a nice upgrade for them. I've been an iPhone user since the 3G and getting rid of the headphone jack (while I am sure other companies will follow eventually) is something that pushed us away. The convenience of having headphones that work on all of my devices without an adapter is much better, plus being able to charge and listen at the same time is really nice. I'm hoping the build quality of the Pixel and the promised updates from Google will allow us to hang onto these phones for at least 3 years.

I'm using this as a step away from Apple. I'm not sure what they are trying to do, but I find it odd that out of the box a Pixel could connect to a new MacBook Pro easier than an iPhone can.

 

[Gav.Winters]

It's an analogue port so its about time it got changed out for a digital one. It's a shame they couldn't go for USB-C but as long as they bundle half-decent EarPods I'm happy.

 

[ibookg409]

You also have to wonder about those who want to use tech in general but can't let go of the 18th century technology that is the QWERTY keyboard layout. Why aren't Apple getting rid of that too

It's pretty hypocritical to target the 40 year old headphone socket and say it should be got rid of, while ignoring the 138 year old standard that is the QWERTY keyboard, which was DESIGNED to slow down typing speeds, because early typewriters would jam with a more efficient layout.

Maybe the keyboard layout has stayed, because QWERTY is the standard layout for keyboards, just like the 3.5mm socket is the standard connector for headphones.

SHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!. Don't give Apple any ideas about changing the keyboard. It took me years to learn how to type properly.

 

[limnancy]

I think that it will have minimal effect. But I'm actually surprised that the percentage of people buying non-Apple headphones is that high. Maybe this will affect Apple.

 

[mpavilion]

If Apple has something better to replace it then, yeah, sure.

I know where you're going with this, but I've never been married to a technological feature so much that I would reject any viable new technology that replaces it.

When it comes to tech I'm always looking to see what's new.

Cellular phone technology is getting fairly "old," and Apple has already implemented something to replace it -- FaceTime audio. Think of space they could free up inside the phone by getting rid of the cell radio and associated parts, so the iPhone no longer works as a cell phone at all... you'll just use FaceTime over Wifi.

Sure, there will be inconvenience for some, as you'll only be able to connect with other Apple devices -- but you'll be using "new" tech, and no longer burdened by that pesky, 20th-Century mobile technology.

Are you up for that?

 

[M67v]

I think they should've made two ports. One for charging, and the other for audio. The Audio port would be smaller than a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and there would be a dongle to connect to this port to support headphone ports. Just thinking out loud.
In the meantime, having this inconvenience makes the iPhone 6s a much better buy considering it's $100 less.

 

[Mike5254]

Lol, same here. I can't type as fast as my nephews do.

 

[timeconsumer]

Cellular phone technology is getting fairly "old," and Apple has already implemented something to replace it -- FaceTime audio. Think of space they could free up inside the phone by getting rid of the cell radio and associated parts, so the iPhone no longer works as a cell phone at all... you'll just use FaceTime over Wifi.

Sure, there will be inconvenience for some, as you'll only be able to connect with other Apple devices -- but you'll be using "new" tech, and no longer burdened by that pesky, 20th-Century mobile technology.

Are you up for that?

The post that you quoted by @eyoungren said that "If Apple has something better to replace it then, yeah, sure"

In your post here you're suggesting that Apple should remove the cell radio and associated parts since it's old technology. @eyoungren wasn't suggesting to replace old technology for the sake of replacing old technology, he was suggesting to replace it only if Apple has something to better to replace it with. Since WiFi doesn't have as far as range as a cell tower and as you noted FaceTime is only able to connect with other Apple devices, WiFi+FaceTime wouldn't be a better replacement.

While I think I understand your overall point, I don't think this was a valid argument.

 

[mpavilion]

The post that you quoted by @eyoungren said that "If Apple has something better to replace it then, yeah, sure"

In your post here you're suggesting that Apple should remove the cell radio and associated parts since it's old technology. @eyoungren wasn't suggesting to replace old technology for the sake of replacing old technology, he was suggesting to replace it only if Apple has something to better to replace it with. Since WiFi doesn't have as far as range as a cell tower and as you noted FaceTime is only able to connect with other Apple devices, WiFi+FaceTime wouldn't be a better replacement.

While I think I understand your overall point, I don't think this was a valid argument.

What if Apple offered an "LTE dongle," for those times when you need mobile data?

I agree it's not a perfect analogy, but you get my point -- just because a new technology comes along, doesn't mean that the older one becomes obsolete; or that it makes sense to have to use workarounds to keep using the older tech (which may actually be "better" in various ways), rather than just keeping it in place, side-by-side with the new tech.

 

[timeconsumer]

What if Apple offered an "LTE dongle," for those times when you need mobile data?

I agree it's not a perfect analogy, but you get my point -- just because a new technology comes along, doesn't mean that the older one becomes obsolete; or that it makes sense to have to use workarounds to keep using the older tech (which may actually be "better" in various ways), rather than just keeping it in place, side-by-side with the new tech.

I think the "LTE dongle" example is a much, much better argument because now applying this, they could free up room inside of the device by removing the cell components for "new" technology (whatever that may be), while still providing you a similar level of functionality just via a dongle. I just hope you wouldn't need to charge and use that dongle at the same time!

But I agree with you, just because something is considered "old technology" does not mean that it's obsolete. And to be more on topic for this thread, I don't think the headphone jack was something that Apple needed to "solve". The headphone jack is fine as it is and I don't think the current implementation of Bluetooth/W1 chip is a viable replacement, nor do I think using a dongle is a reasonable workaround especially considering you lose the ability to listen to the device and charge at the same time.

 

[freepomme]

Its the same thing they did with Apple Maps. Theyd release an apple car without wheels!

 

[swingandamiss]

i wouldn't mind if I could find a decent pair of wireless earphones. Almost all of the current ones have a wire that goes behind your neck which is infuriating and the ones that actually are wireless are $150+, and far too easy to lose. There's no way I'm going back to those EarPods either, digital or not.

 

[Ffosse]

Use my 128GB iPhone 7 with my B & O H5 phones and I can't say that the audio is bad. If I can pay £700 for the phone, I can easily pay £200 for some decent Bluetooth earphones.The dongle works fine with legacy 'phones too, so I don't see why anyone has anything to complain about.

It's progress - soon most phones won't bother with a 3.5mm jack.

 

[super michael]

What is weird is why is the Iphone 7 the only product without the 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Ipad and mac line has the 3.5mm headphone jack?

I mean it makes not sense, I mean look at it this way

The Ipad has both the 3.5mm headphone jack and lightning cable.
The Iphone 7 only has the lightning cable.
The mac line only has 3.5mm headphone jack

Iphone 6s had both 3.5mm headphone jack and lightning cable, too bad that is removed.


The only reason I don't want to use bluetooth is because I don't want to have to worry about the bluetooth headphone running out of battery or recharging it. I don't know the battery life of bluetooth headphone.

 

[super michael]

What is weird is why is the Iphone 7 the only product without the 3.5mm headphone jack, while the Ipad and mac line has the 3.5mm headphone jack?

I mean it makes not sense, I mean look at it this way

The Ipad has both the 3.5mm headphone jack and lightning cable.
The Iphone 7 only has the lightning cable.
The mac line only has 3.5mm headphone jack

Iphone 6s has both 3.5mm headphone jack and lightning cable, too bad that is removed.


The only reason I don't want to use bluetooth is because I don't want to have to worry about the bluetooth headphone running out of battery or recharging it. I don't know the battery life of bluetooth headphone.

If the Iphone 7 doesn't have enough space due to size, then making the phone a bit thicker would of been better than making it thinner and sacrifice features of the phone.