As expected, the new iPhone 7 will have no headphone jack. In its place, however, Apple is offering a multitude of solutions that it says will all improve audio quality.
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Apple’s iPhone 7 smartphones will ship in a couple of weeks with more speed, more memory and more picture taking power than ever before. They will not, however, have a headphone jack.
In its place, users can:
1) use the pair of headphones that come with the new iPhone 7 and connect via Apple’s proprietary Lightning port.
2) use their old headphones via a headphone jack to Lightning adapter that comes free with every iPhone
3) Buy a $159 pair of new wireless AirPods, which Apple says delivers audio superior to any other wireless headphone. Here is the pitch:
AirPods eliminate the hassles of wireless headphones, by just flipping open the lid of its innovative charging case and with one tap, they are instantly set up and ready to work with your iPhone® and Apple Watch®. Advanced sensors know when you are listening and automatically play and pause your music. Using Siri, AirPods allow you to access your favorite personal assistant with just a double tap. This revolutionary experience is enabled by the new ultra-low power Apple W1 chip, which enables AirPods to deliver high-quality audio and industry-leading battery life in a completely wireless design. AirPods will be available starting in late October.
4) Buy one of several new wireless headphones from Beats that take advantage of the AirPods’ W1 chip and technology. There was no hint that Apple intends to sell or licence that technology to other headphone makers.
AirPods eliminate the hassles of wireless headphones, by just flipping open the lid of its innovative charging case and with one tap, they are instantly set up and ready to work with your iPhone® and Apple Watch®. Advanced sensors know when you are listening and automatically play and pause your music. Using Siri, AirPods allow you to access your favorite personal assistant with just a double tap. This revolutionary experience is enabled by the new ultra-low power Apple W1 chip, which enables AirPods to deliver high-quality audio and industry-leading battery life in a completely wireless design. AirPods will be available starting in late October.