iPhone 7 rumors: No headphone jack?

 Apple web site

The list of rumored changes for the iPhone 7 continues to grow, as the next phone from Apple is rumored to no longer feature a headphone jack. 

According to Mac Otakara and as reported on by PC Mag Asia, Apple is reportedly looking at removing the headphone jack, though the move does not appear to be official at this point. 

With Apple reportedly looking at removing the conventional headphone jack, the question now turns to what the company will actually do to replace it. 

If Apple does go through with the move, the belief is that the iPhone 7 will be featuring the Lightning connector as the direct replacement for what would then be the presumably departed headphone jack, according to Mac Rumors.

The new connector will reportedly be able to support a variety of audio devices. Apart from audio devices that also sport Lightning connectors, the new feature of the iPhone 7 will also supposedly provide support for Bluetooth headsets. It is also expected to feature a digital-to-audio converter, although taking advantage of this feature would also require possession of a Lightning adapter.

As for what could be motivating Apple's decision to remove the headphone jack from the iPhone 7, one possible reason could be the company's desire to produce an even thinner smartphone than what they have already managed to come up with. 

Aside from being able to produce a thinner smartphone, Venture Beat also speculates that the move is also being done to help pave the way for the next iteration of EarPods. Rumors are already saying that Lightning-equipped EarPods will be released alongside the iPhone 7, and they will also supposedly be made available separately.

The latest reports concerning the removal of the iPhone 7's headphone jack comes in the wake of other rumors suggesting more changes such as the home button being removed and various specs being upgraded.

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