“What’s Apple putting in the box ” (Besides the iPhone itself, that is.) The iPhone has traditionally shipped with a pair of Apple's iconic earbuds, made famous in early advertising for the iPod music player. But if Apple has done away with the buds, as rumour had it, are the earbuds themselves in for a revamp, one that could hint at Apple's plans for expanded use of wireless technology
Incremental changes
The headphone jack drew attention partly because there might not be many other major changes in this year's iPhone. The new models — the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, if Apple sticks to its usual convention — are expected to offer faster processors, more memory and improved cameras.
But despite a recent dip in iPhone sales, most Apple watchers expect the company to save its next big overhaul for 2017, the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone's release. Though it might not seem dramatic, eliminating the 3.5 millimeter analog jack would be controversial. On the plus side, it could let Apple make the iPhone slightly thinner and possibly waterproof; it might also free up space for other components. But it also means future iPhone buyers will need new headsets that use a digital connection. It could herald an Apple commitment to wireless earbuds that connect to the phone via a technology such as Bluetooth. Apple already sells wireless headsets from Beats Electronics, which it acquired two years ago for $3 billion.
Why headphones matter
For many people, listening to music and watching video — not to mention making the occasional phone call — constitutes one of the main uses for a smartphone. -"People enjoy listening to music on their smartphones today as much as they listen to music at home,” said Brian Blau, a tech analyst at Gartner.
Today’s wireless Bluetooth headsets, however, can be clunky to set up and sometimes randomly drop their phone connections.
And no headphone jack means that existing headsets won't work with the new iPhones without an adapter. It's also not clear how you'd plug in your headset if you're already charging the phone.
Our wireless future
Some believe Apple's real goal is to move people away from cords and plugs altogether. “They don't like the mess,” said Jan Dawson, a tech analyst with Jackdaw Research. “Anybody who's carried a set of earbuds in their pocket have had them get tangled up. And they get in the way when you're exercising.” Apple has already cut the number of ports on its latest MacBooks, encouraging owners to use wireless features like Apple's AirDrop and AirPlay for sharing files or streaming music and video, he noted. Widespread adoption of wireless headsets might also encourage people to try streaming music using the Apple Watch, said Carolina Milanesi, a mobile tech analyst at the research firm Creative Strategies. That would be a first step toward getting them interested in future smartwatch apps and services, she suggested.
“It might be good if you had a Bluetooth headset that connects to your phone and your watch at the same time,” she said. Apple could distribute the new iPhones with a “good enough” Bluetooth headset included, she added, while selling more expensive headsets separately.
