A number of reports that all seemingly fall in line with one another are suggesting that there could be big changes on the cards for Apple’s next-generation iPhone. We’ve already even privy to a number of reports and research notes that have suggested Apple will remove key elements from the iPhone 7 in order to push the range forward. Now, a new report is adding fuel to that previously leaked speculation by suggesting that next year’s iPhone will not only be noticeably thinner, but that it will also come with a waterproof design.
The unnamed source cited within the report has also gone as far as apparently confirming previous speculations which suggested that the iPhone 7 will ship without a 3.5mm headphone jack that has been present on every iPhone model sold since 2007. The removal of that headphone jack would mean that the next-generation iPhone – which will presumably be given the iPhone 7 naming convention – would rely entirely on the proprietary Lightning port for power, data transfer, and even audio output to Lightning-equipped headphones that conform to Apple’s MFi Program standards. With the Lightning port being hogged up by the headphones, it is also suggested that the iPhone 7 will support wireless charging as well.
The report is skeptic about the inclusion of Lightning-equipped EarPods in the iPhone 7 package, and suggests that Apple would be offering a noise-canceling Lightning-equipped headphones separately under the Beats brand. We can’t be sure if we will get to see some Bluetooth EarPods bundled with the box either or if Apple would throw in an adapter for the 3.5mm EarPods.
The move away from a 3.5mm headphone jack will also see Apple working a lot closer with Cirrus Logic – its audio chipset manufacturer – in order to ensure that the components used offer total compatibility with the Lightning port. Today’s speculation is also suggesting that the new iPhone model will come with a new slimmer aesthetic that will presumably shave at least a few millimeters off the current design. That new external case will also come with the added benefit of being waterproof, allowing the device to be submerged to a specific depth for a pre-defined period of time without suffering any damage.
The information contained within the report shouldn’t exactly come as shock as it’s all stuff that has been reported previously. However, it’s interesting to note that yet another publication with another “source” is throwing its voice behind the claims and adding fuel to the fire. If Apple does indeed go down the route of removing the 3.5mm headphone jack it’ll be extremely interesting to see if the Cupertino-based company replaces the current EarPod models with a set of Lighting or Bluetooth-compatible ones.
(Source: Fast Company)
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