http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/new...oGrYSiu79605bU


I won't mind so much if it means i can get a basic pair of in-ear headphones with no in-line volume control or anything else attached to the lead, but if it means that they'll include things like that as standard then I'll quite happily keep my iPhone 5 (and possibly 5s if i ever do manage to upgrade).

They would be complete idiots to kill of the 3.5mm jack it makes no sense at all to do that. The majority of headphones use it and that won't change ever. Take makes such as Shure or Sennheiser or any headphone makes this will be a niche product. It will just be another way to be able to listen to music.

I read a similar story on a different site earlier.

I would be surprised and disappointed if they removed the standard 3.5mm headphone jack from the new iPhone. I use Apple's earphones, as well as Philips sport ones for running, and some 'proper' headphones for other occasions. I want to be able to pick up any standard earphones or headphones and use them.

I would think it's more likely that the Lightning port will become an option for headphones, but that the standard 3.5mm jack will remain.

Surely just another way of making sure only Apple taxed accessories are sold, some kind of protection built in no doubt! It also means you couldn't charge your phone while listening to music presumably? if they did get rid of the 3.5mm

I completely agree with this plus if they do get rid of the 3.5mm jack they would be chunking away a massive potential for audiophiles who use it as a portable driver. They hate beats headphones it just seems a ridiculous idea. People already have headphones they aren't going want buy new ones that are a premium cost and won't sound brill.

Technically they would have to fit a DAC inside each headphone as well as lighting port uses digital audio only not sure how that would work.

As we discussing headphone jack I would like it move back to the top easier fit in pockets.

Just seems like another reason not to buy Apple products. Too much proprietary stuff that costs you extra.

It makes sense in that they think these are popular headphones. They hang their Apple connector on them and those who want the headphones will get something compatible to use them with.

And Apple will probably sell a 3.5mm adaptor for £30 for those who still want to live in the dark ages.

The only factual part of the article is that apple have produced a module for lighting/headphone jack. The comment regarding beats coming with lighting connector is pure speculation and as already pointed out would not make commercial sense.

Lol that would be crazy, I've been using iPhones for 4-5 years but I would not want to be told by Apple what headphones I can use on my phone, I bought some decent Sony in-ear headphones as they are miles better than any Apple headphones, I know the beats ones should be good but I don't want to fork out for beats headphones after paying £xxx's for a new iphone.

I really can't see this happening. For one thing there are too many third party accessories that are nothing to do with listening to music that plug into the jack port e.g. I have a Thermodo thermometer thingie that does. Secondly, as someone has pointed out you then couldn't charge simultaneously. I do this a lot, particularly when driving - I listen to podcasts, but need earphones in to use Siri, but also want to keep it charged.

Well they can put some of their Apple shit into the headphones and use the connector to connect with it.

I'm sure we could all speculate on what they could do.

I suspect this is more to do with docks and accessories then with actual headphones. In fact this was one of the criticisms when they introduced the lightning connector that it didn't have the analogue A/V outputs like the old 30-pin connector did. Anyway extremely doubtful that they'll kill the ubiquitous 3.5mm jack. It's not in anyones interests including theirs IMHO.

Allowing an enhanced audio experience using the lightning pirt is a good idea providing they keep the normal 3.5 mm port. Removing the port would be stupid. As would only allowing those really bad Beats headphones to have exclusive access to the lightning port. Come on guys even Apple are not that evil. Or are they?

I can't see this happening to be honest .
It would be madness .

lol it's hardly KILLING OFF is it? Apple bought a headphone company & want to change jack to fit iPhone EVERY SINGLE OTHER MANUFACTURER IS GONNA KEEP THE 3.5MM JACK PLUG. So it's not. ...........................................................................................KILLING IT OFF! .... IS IT!

No need to be so shouty. I think the OP meant Apple to kill it off from Apple products, although it is unclear if that is the case or not.

seems very plausible. it's the apple model.

apple never make their products available for other platforms.

Beats is overpriced shit anyway. a match made in heaven.

It's more about streaming music services. Google also rumoured to be considering a related acquisition too.

£100+ for headphones that only work on one platform, seems madness and implausible.

However achieving the desired fly paper ecosystem does mean some casualties along the way.

When is Google not gulping up big companies. It seems the monopolies people in the US don't care, presumably are in the multi billion payroll to turn a blind eye. Soon every popular service will just be owned by 1 or 2 massive companies.

All about the thickness, if it happens. I've always though the 3.5 needed updated. Just supply an adaptor, keeps everyone happy.

This will also be in some way be related to health kit.. Can't put data down a 3.5!

I'm not sure if you're talking about the device thickness, or the people that will pay £40 for a lightning to 3.5mm adaptor, or buy overpriced 'beats' crap with the lightning plug already on

Seriously though, I guess it reduces the number of ports needed, contributes to a nicer design and possibly allows them to pump out digital audio.

Headphones would need their own dedicated DAC if a digital signal was fed to them and that would make them heavier and more expensive. The DAC is best integrated into the player as it can then be powered from the device battery and use the device's CPU etc.

I am sure Apple will make the Beats range an attractive proposition for all customers and if necessary include an adaptor if they choose to supply a lightning connector on some models. The other solution may be a 'Beats for Apple' range with lightning connectors specifically made to match the range of Apple devices and hardware.