On September 7, 2016, Apple introduced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus focusing upon the products’ extraordinary battery life, innovative camera systems, and water resistant abilities. However, one specific factor shocked the world. Apple’s decision of the removal of the headphone jack. The headphone jack, a pin-shaped 3.5 mm plug typically used for headphones, has been around for over 50 years and was not expected to go away anytime soon. This act was not only an innovative move to a more wireless world but a “sacrifice” in order to enhance other aspects of the iPhone. Forbes explains that the headphone jack takes up 10% of the bezel space in the entire iPhone. Space that could be used for more enhancing purposes. Apple replaced this space with a taptic engine that provides better sound quality, audio feedback, faster system notification, and many other features. According to Forbes, Apple marketing chief, Phil Schiller, also describes the reasons through removing the headphone jack by stating, “Maintaining an ancient, single-purpose, analogue, big connector doesn’t make sense because that space is at a premium.” This removal also makes the iPhone a truly water resistant phone despite the other corporations failed attempts. The Galaxy Samsung s7 advertised their phone as water resistant but failed due to various consumer reports saying otherwise. Other phones such as the Samsung requires a plug in the headphone jack or use false advertising in order to claim it’s water resistant abilities. Apple can officially claim their new iPhone as water resistant now that the headphone jack doesn’t compromise the device.  

Despite Apple’s technological explanations, there are still many accusations as to why Apple made such a drastic 3.5 mm change as well as a plethora of emotions. An online petition was signed by over 300,000 people to bring back the headphone jack shortly after Apple’s release. Many had individual and common reasoning as to why consumers didn’t want such a change. Therefore, we asked PCHS students how they felt about the new iPhone 7 particularly over the loss of the headphone jack. Students responses ranged from not caring to devastated. Those who didn’t care claimed that they already had wireless headphones, rarely listen to music, or didn’t mind the extra connectors such as the lightning port or the lightning connector to use their wired headphones. Others who opposed Apple’s unnecessary actions claimed that the extra connectors are strenuous and use more wires just to use their own wired headphones or to simply charge their phone. They also claimed that Apple’s reasoning for such actions was an act to get attention or do something radical because they may have run out of ideas for their annual release.

Apple is once again paving a path to a more wireless and innovative world despite the opposition from consumers. Change at first can be seen as difficult, however, Apple has claimed to be making change for the better. This trend may be catching on soon due to technologies fast pace towards a better future.