The Sept. 7 release of Apple’s new mobile device, the iPhone 7, boasted improved design and a sleeker interface, but confused some new users by eliminating a key feature of older-generation Apple devices: the headphone jack.
Before the release, Apple excited its loyal customer base by announcing that the new iPhone would feature an improved dual-lens camera function, a longer battery life and a faster processor.
Disappointment and confusion followed the initial buzz about the iPhone 7 after the announcement that the improved features would come at the expense of the traditional headphone jack.
According to Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller, the reason for the removal of the audio input is that the new features require more physical space within the hardware of the device.
Apple reports increased sales of Bluetooth devices, including speakers and headphones, and decreased sales of wired headphones. This statistically tells Apple that improved internal hardware is in higher demand than the survival of the audio jack.
“I think the iPhone 7 is great. I like the direction that they’re taking it,” said former KSU student Alex Geyer, who works at a company that provides technical support for Apple products. “I like that they’re attempting to change the standard. The 3.5 mm headphone jack is the oldest technology on phones today.”
Junior psychology major AJ Nieves, who works at OwlTEC, offered some insight into the hardware of the new iPhone.
“The iPhone 7 is sold out in stores, so people aren’t hating it,” Nieves said. “The processor is twice as fast as the leading competitor’s phones.”
According to Apple Newsroom, the iPhone 7 comes with EarPods with a Lightning connector, as well as a 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter. Using either one, however, prevents the use of a charger while listening to music.
The iPhone 7 is designed to be used with Apple’s new Bluetooth “AirPods.” These look quite similar to Apple’s wired EarPods, with the obvious exception of a physical connection to the device or to each other.
Of course, Apple users are also welcome to connect Bluetooth Beats headphones, which are now also an Apple property.
This is not the first time Apple has shocked its customers by doing away with an input on devices. In 2012, the iPhone 5 introduced the lightning connector, which rendered older-generation Apple devices and chargers useless without a $29 adapter.
The iPhone 7 buzz spread quickly around Kennesaw State University as students formed their own opinions about the new device.
“I just love iPhones,” said junior physical therapy major Resonna Hubert. “I really want the new one, because it’s an upgrade. Plus, the camera is so much better!”
Junior nursing major Seghan Belay was not so sure about the new phone.
“I think I’m just going to stick with my iPhone 6 for now,” Belay said. “My car doesn’t have Bluetooth, and I don’t like not being able to use the aux cord and charge at the same time.”
Nieves, the OwlTEC employee, is a loyal Samsung user, but he still has respect for Apple as a company.
“Apple’s strength is in jumping into other new markets before other companies do, whether their customer base is ready for it or not,” Nieves said. “I think they’ll continue to expand more into Bluetooth charging and other technology.”
The iPhone 7 is available for purchase now, but there are currently no plans for sale of the device at OwlTEC.
