Watch: Apple Lightning EarPods for 'iPhone 7' supposedly appear in new video
A new video shows a what is said to be a functional set of authentic Apple Lightning EarPods -- an accessory that could be packed in with any future iPhone lacking an analog headphone jack.
The video creator does demonstrate functionality by controlling the iPhone 6 audio playback with the remote attached to the cable, as well as playing back audio through the buds adjacent to the camera microphone. However, the video never shows the entire cable in frame at once.
Reports started circulating in November 2015 that Apple would eschew the analog port, in favor of the digital Lightning interface on the next major iPhone update. A follow-on supply chain source produced a mock-up reportedly sourced from pre-production sample data in April 2016 that also had no headphone jack.
Multiple sources have claimed that they are in possession of the official Apple Lightning earbuds since November, none verifiable at this point. Additionally, at the end of July, a questionable report surfaced demonstrating the existence of what was called a legitimately Apple-built Lightning-to-headphone adapter.
While the provenance of all the "iPhone 7" rumors to this point are unclear, they all have commonalities. None of the sources show significant departures from the iPhone 6 family design language, and none of them have a headphone jack.
The next major iteration of the iPhone is expected to be announced in early September.
The video creator does demonstrate functionality by controlling the iPhone 6 audio playback with the remote attached to the cable, as well as playing back audio through the buds adjacent to the camera microphone. However, the video never shows the entire cable in frame at once.
Reports started circulating in November 2015 that Apple would eschew the analog port, in favor of the digital Lightning interface on the next major iPhone update. A follow-on supply chain source produced a mock-up reportedly sourced from pre-production sample data in April 2016 that also had no headphone jack.
Multiple sources have claimed that they are in possession of the official Apple Lightning earbuds since November, none verifiable at this point. Additionally, at the end of July, a questionable report surfaced demonstrating the existence of what was called a legitimately Apple-built Lightning-to-headphone adapter.
While the provenance of all the "iPhone 7" rumors to this point are unclear, they all have commonalities. None of the sources show significant departures from the iPhone 6 family design language, and none of them have a headphone jack.
The next major iteration of the iPhone is expected to be announced in early September.
Comments
So, what's the consensus, here? I think that the transition to wireless is the way to go, but if they sell lightning headphones they must include a lightning port on Macs as well.
A part of me tells me that they will sell lightning headphones and we will have a 99$ option for wireless. That would be shameful, me thinks.
These days it seems that it is all for current profit margins, even if impacts the platform on the long run.
Apple Lightning-to-3.5mm Adapter ($19)
Apple Bluetooth AirPods ($79)
Just like I read on Daring Fireball, this seems like Apple declaring war on wired headphones.
As such, bundling BT devices (that instead of costing 3 or 4 dollars to make might cost 5 or 6) should be a priority. They could also have another [paid] option for higher fidelity products.
Let's wait and see. People won't accept adapters, not being able to charge and listen to some music and so on. And why should they, if it brings no tangible advantage?
View from a far, a bit over the top I know but... enjoy! ---
90% only use Apple earbuds anyways, don't need a 3.5 mm jack --- piss on the other 10%(and all there existing hardware and plus the can buy the special adapter for $$)
90% of the time users don't charge their battery while listening to music --- piss on the other 10% that need to
90% only need x amount of much battery life anyways --- piss on the other 10% that do
90% will figure out non-schemorphic(sp) interface--- piss on the other 10% that cant figure everything out
90% don't use Pro software anyways --- piss on the 10% that do (and by the way are usually the biggest free 1%'ers cheerleaders for Apple)
90% only need (fill in the blank) ... piss on the other 10%
My recollection of the old Apple was that they were fairly uncompromising in regards to the user experience, pissing off 10% was not acceptable too often.
We now seem to have a steam roll of '90/10 compromises' for the user where in some manner every one gets --- 'pissed on'!.
ved to BT headsets, because this has been the case with all of Apple's headphones. At least with using the Lightning port, it's in the center, which I say is inarguably better when I'm holding it in landscape mode.
What practical advantage would a regular user get from the transition? Nothing, just more upsell.
Let's bookmark this and see if you're right. If Apple included wireless buds in the box at least they could market it as a transition to wireless. But moving it from something ubiquitous to a non-proprietary connector says what exactly? Especially when none of Apple's laptops ship with this connector and their newest laptop ships with USB-C. Are new MBPs going to ship with lightning? Or will people be expected to buy an adapter (that will probably be $10 more than it should be)? And will you be able to listen to audio and charge your device at the same time (which a lot of people do) or is that just another inconvenience people will accept because, Apple.
I'm guessing that's pretty close, but probably 20 bucks short on each.