“Apple’s next-generation iPhone — expected to abandon a 3.5mm headphone jack — will probably replace the part with a second speaker, according to a Barclays research memo obtained,” Roger Fingas reports for AppleInsider.
“To power the speaker, Apple will use a second amp built by supplier Cirrus Logic, said analysts Blayne Curtis and Christopher Hemmelgarn,” Fingas reports. “The headphone jack on the iPhone 6s is located along the same edge as its single speaker, which might make it a natural location to expand into stereo.”
“The analysts added that the ‘iPhone 7’ should,” Fingas reports, “ship with its own Lightning-equipped headphones.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We know a surprising number of people who actually (try to) listen to music via their iPhone’s speaker. We suppose anything Apple can do to improve that currently awful experience is a good move.
As for the loss of the 3.5mm headphone jack: Bring it on!
Also, as we’ve explained before, don’t discount the ability for Lightning headphones to do more than just reproduce sound:
For one example, see Apple’s U.S. Patent No. 8,655,004: “Sports monitoring system for headphones, earbuds and/or headsets.”
Apple’s patent abstract: A monitoring system that can be placed proximate to the head or ear of a user is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the monitoring system can be used with headphones, earbuds or headsets. The monitoring system can, for example, be used to monitor user activity, such as during exercise or sporting activities. The positioning of the monitoring system can also facilitate sensing of other user characteristics (e.g., biometric data), such as temperature, perspiration and heart rate. The monitoring system can also be used to control a an electronic device. In one embodiment, the monitoring system facilitates user control of the electronic device using head gestures. More info here.
From your ear to your wrist in the blink of an eye™.
Also, if you’d prefer no wires at all, you can do as we’ve been doing for awhile now and just go Bluetooth. We’ve been using wireless Jaybirds for some time now (currently the Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones). They’re easy to charge, easy to pair, light and comfortable, and work perfectly with our Apple Watches and iPhones.
SEE ALSO:
iOS 9 code reveals Apple’s plans to dump 3.5mm headphone jack in future iPhones – January 20, 2016
Apple’s intention to kill the 3.5mm headphone jack is brilliant – January 13, 2016
iPhone 7 said to be waterproof, replace 3.5mm headphone jack with Apple’s Lightning – January 8, 2016
The fastest Lightning cable is also one of the least expensive – January 8, 2016
Apple will drop headphone jack to make the iPhone 7 super slim, source confirms; wireless charging and waterproof, too – January 7, 2016
Petition demands Apple keep 3.5mm headphone jack in the ‘iPhone 7’ – January 7, 2016
More reports claim Apple has dumped the 3.5mm headphone jack on iPhone 7 – January 5, 2016
Why Apple may axe the 3.5mm headphone jack – June 20, 2014
Apple may be poised to kill off the 3.5mm headphone jack – June 7, 2014
Apple may ditch analog 3.5mm headphone jack for Lightning to make thinner devices – June 6, 2014
Apple introduces MFi specs for Lightning cable headphones, iOS software update to deliver support – June 5, 2014
Apple preps HD audio for iOS 8 plus new Apple In-Ear Headphones and lightning cable – May 13, 2014
Apple patents biometric sensor-packed health monitoring earphones with ‘head gesture’ control – February 18, 2014
Apple paves way for more affordable iOS accessories with lower MFi and Lightning licensing fees – February 7, 2014
I frequently listen to podcasts and audiobooks through my iPhone speaker. Balancing it on the edge of an empty basin in the bathroom helps boost the sound.
Ironically I do have have quite a few Sonos speakers throughout the house but Overcast and Audible don’t want to play with Sonos.
What if you played the Audible books through iTunes? Couldn’t you cast the books to the Sonos speakers that way?
Wow! What a stroke of brilliance. Even though we’ll be stuck with Dr. Dre junk for earbuds, at least we’ll have another crappy little speaker to listen to. I think Apple is getting their water from Flint Michigan.
If you want to charge your phone while using your headphones to make a call or listen to music… too bad.
Stereo Bluetooth Headsets/Earbuds – Problem solved
Yeah, another battery charger is just what I need (for lower-quality audio).
Whenever they finally get around to doing it, I will feel like it’s about time. I remember reading the patent well before Beats acquisition, and figured Beats acquisition was in preparation of an impending release, to have name brand headphones ready to ship with lightning compatible wiring on day one. But we’ve stilllllllllll just been waiting.
Wondering if the second speaker would make use of the speaker phone better in noisy environments like the car.
How would 2 crappy tinny speakers be better than one?
How would Bluetooth be better than a wired connection in the car?
Apple’s obsession with making all things wireless is a fool’s errand. Wires are the absolute best way to send signals and data efficiently, securely, and reliably. Period.