Apple Announces Plans to Scrap Headphone Jacks on iPhones

Apple unveiled its iPhone 7 today, bringing with it several major changes.

Instead of the phone having an analog audio jack it will include three different listening options. The first is built in stereo speakers. These speakers will have two times the volume of the previous ones as well as increased dynamic range. The second change is that wired headphones will now be plugged into the lightning port. This will allow the headphones to be more powerful and cancel out surrounding noise. Users that still want to use analog headphones will be able to purchase an adapter. Of the change, Apple executive Phil Schiller said

“We can’t justify an ancient single-use port,”

The final change is the introduction of AirPods. These are essentially Apple’s version of wireless headphones. The AirPods only play music when they are inside an ear. They provide a 5 hour listening duration from a single charge. Users can also employ the pods to make phone calls.

Besides the auditory changes, the iPhone 7 will have a better camera, increased battery life, new iOS10 operating system and will be water and dust resistant.

While the phone is available for purchase on September 16th (and includes a pair of lightning ready headphones and an adapter), the pods won’t be for sale until October at $159.