This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Apple's iPhone 7 May Ditch The Headphone Jack In Effort To Slim Down Device

Apple's iPhone 7 May Ditch The Headphone Jack, Slim Down Device

While Apple fans are only just cosying up to their iPhone 6S, the latest rumour circulating the internet is that the tech giant will do away with the 3.5mm headphone port we’ve grown used to for years.

Instead, users will get sound through Bluetooth headphones and an audio-enabled lightning port that’s used for both power and data transfer. Users wanting to use their old headphones will require an adaptor.

While there is never a dull moment in the whispers that keep the Apple rumour mill in motion, this specific buzz comes from Japanese blog, Macotakara -- a website dedicated solely to the tech company.

According to inside sources from Macotakara, the reason for abandoning the current port is to reduce the size by 1mm.

Gizmodo reports the Japanese website has a fairly good track record when it comes to predicting new product rumours however, Apple remains hush on the issue.

This change may well see the development of "smart headphones" according to Forbes, who touted this as an upside to the divisive update as it would allow for automatic volume change. It would also mean the headphones would have the ability to interact with apps and notifications thanks to the digital connection the lightning port offers.

USA Today reports other rumours include an Apple patent that would allow the phone to be used with gloves -- something both Windows and Anrdroid already offer -- and that the company has a patent to make the phones more water resistant.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.