iPhone 7 Leaked Video Shows No 3.5mm Headphone Jack; Lightning-to-3.5mm Adapter Tipped

Apple is expected to release its iPhone 7 sometime in mid-September, and the leaks have been overflowing. The latest brings more mystery into the 3.5mm headphone jack controversy, through a full-blown video comparison of a purported iPhone 7 with its predecessor, the iPhone 6s.

A video released on Weibo shows the two phones held against each other from different angles. While the overall form doesn't see much change, the antenna bands have been shifted to the edges of the iPhone 7. The visible change at the back is the introduction of a protective ring around the protruding camera lens. The bottom of the iPhone 7 confirms the death of the 3.5mm headphone jack. It comes with a Lightning port and two speakers grilles adjacent to both sides, while the predecessor has the audio jack on one side and the speaker grille on the other.

A separate research note (via Business Insider) also sings the same 'no 3.5mm audio jack' tune. A research note from Deutsche Bank based on anonymous supply-chain sources claims that Apple will not bundle Lightning EarPods inside the box, but will bundle a Lightning-3.5mm audio adapter in the box instead. This is in contrast with previous rumours that suggest otherwise.

The note also reiterates past rumours of the dual camera setup, touch sensitive Home Button, similar design structure, and possibly better waterproofing. Also, bundling an adapter instead of Lightning EarPods would be an odd way to persuade and encourage users to switch to the new audio input (or wireless input for that matter). Apple would do good to sell this adapter as an additional accessory, as many users would still not want to make the switch if they get the adapter bundled alongside.

The iPhone 7 is pegged to sport an A10 chipset for faster processing. The larger variant is also expected to sport a Smart Connector at the back for connecting a accessories.