Your next iPhone may not have a headphone jack at all.
The current rumor going through the supply chain is that Apple plans to remove the classic 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in favor of an all-in-one Lightning connector for both connectivity and audio output.
Multiple web sites, citing anonymous sources from within the suppliers, have stated that the unit will be without the headphone jack and that Apple is working on its own wireless Bluetooth headphones.
The original report said Apple may release Lightning-equipped EarPods, and the company already offers Powerbeats 2, Solo2 and Studio wireless headphones through its Beats brand. Apple also introduced new MFi Program specifications in June 2014 that allow third-party manufacturers to create Lightning-equipped headphones, including the Philips Fidelio M2L and Fidelio NC1L.
This report, which cited a “reliable source,” also claimed the new same-sized Lightning connector will have a DAC, or digital-to-audio converter, for backwards compatibility with wired headphones using standard 3.5mm stereo jacks. A 3.5mm to Lightning adapter would be required.
Even if only part of this is true, it’s a huge change from the traditional hardware you know and love.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.