Chinese accessory company advertises Lightning-to-headphone adapters, strengthens rumors of changes for next-gen iPhones

Sometimes it’s the accessory makers that show what’s coming around the bend for a major new Apple product.

Chinese accessory maker Tama Electric is now advertising a series of Lightning-to-headphone adapters with separate volume controls, thereby lending credence that Apple is ditching the 3.5 millimeter headphone jack in exchange for a Lightning-based equivalent.

The company is currently advertising three Lightning-to-headphone adapters, two of which also include a micro USB port for charging while using headphones.

There are a handful of Lightning-connected headphones currently available on the market, but Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adapters are not yet sold as certified Made for iPhone accessories. Presumably, if the “iPhone 7” does ditch the headphone jack as rumored, Apple or authorized accessory makers will need to offer some form of adapter for legacy headphones.

The adapters don’t appear to be available for sale yet and could simply be mockups or concepts. They are most likely not Made for iPhone-certified by Apple.

Rumors about Apple’s anticipated iPhone refresh have consistently claimed that the 2016 model will ditch the 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, allowing for a design that could be the thinnest ever. Eliminating the headphone port would leave customers relying on either wireless Bluetooth headphones, or Lightning-connected headphones — with or without an adapter.

Apple is also rumored to be working on Bluetooth EarPods that will pair and charge through the Lightning port just like the Apple Pencil does with the iPad Pro. It’s expected that those headphones will be sold separately, with a traditional pair of EarPods — wired via Lightning — shipping in the box with the next iPhone.

The next-gen iPhone is expected to ship this September, as per the usual release cycle.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and Macotakara