New photos show possible Lightning-equipped EarPods for Apple's 'iPhone 7'

A pair of photos published on Wednesday show what are claimed to be Lightning-ready versions of the EarPods bundled with iPhones, presumably intended for Apple's "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus."

The images were posted to Chinese blogging site Weibo, often a source of leaks within Apple's supply chain, and highlighted by iPhone7.nl. Apart from the presence of a flat, elongated Lightning connector, the headphones are similar to the EarPods bundled with the iPhone 6s, including an inline remote.

The authenticity of the gear is difficult to determine, but would fall in line with expectations that Apple is planning to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack from the "iPhone 7" line, forcing buyers to use either Lightning or Bluetooth for external audio. Earlier today, Apple supplier Cirrus Logic unveiled an authorized Lightning headphone development kit.

Using Lightning would enable higher-quality sound, but also render many headphones, speakers, and other 3.5mm accessories useless, at least without an adapter. Apple could potentially include one with new iPhones to ease the transition.

The "iPhone 7" is expected to arrive this fall, most likely in Apple's normal September launch window. Upgrades should focus primarily on speed, capacity, and camera technology, though the bigger 5.5-inch model might also include an iPad Pro-style Smart Connector.

48 Comments

TurboPGT 355 comments · 9 Years

About 8 years ago

Apparently the new tip hovers in mid air too.

techguy911 269 comments · 13 Years

Looking forward to the future when instead of all wired headphones having the same standardized jack that works in all audio devices, we now have segregated wired headphones that have different connectors that only work in their respective ecosystems /s

jmgregory1 474 comments · 15 Years

techguy911 said:

Looking forward to the future when instead of all wired headphones having the same standardized jack that works in all audio devices, we now have segregated wired headphones that have different connectors that only work in their respective ecosystems /s

I think the future you want is coming, but it won't be wired at all - it's going to be wireless. Frankly, the fact that we're not already there yet is surprising, especially considering how many wireless speakers are on the market. It's like manufacturers just dropped the ball on pushing through problems (battery life, size, connectivity, price and sound quality) with but a handful of options to really chose from in BT headphones.

jbishop1039 258 comments · 9 Years

Doesn't seem to have the usual rubber strain relief following the plastic connector housing like most Apple cables seem to have.

daven 718 comments · 16 Years

TurboPGT said:

Apparently the new tip hovers in mid air too.

Funny! I noticed that too.

That said, I rarely use the headphone jack and don't have a problem with losing the universal Jack and getting a new pair of ear buds with a new phone. I don't see why this is so upsetting to many people especially if an adapter becomes available. It would be a nice market for a case maker to make a case where the bottom is extended by a little and the case includes the electronics to extend the Lightning port while also giving the buyer a standard headphone jack along an edge of the case. They could also offer a battery to extend the times between recharging. I wouldn't buy one but there may be a market for a case like that.