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Headphone makers might not really care about the missing iPhone 7 audio jack

Published Jan 8th, 2016 6:50AM EST
iPhone 7 Headphone Jack
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Rumors claiming the iPhone 7 will ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack abound, and some Apple customers are already infuriated about the matter, even though the device isn’t available for purchase. Over 200,000 people even signed a petition against such a move from the iPhone maker, which claimed “virtually no third-party [headphones] manufacturers [are] ready to fill the new market gap” – this being one of the now-deleted reasons why Apple shouldn’t remove the standard audio jack in upcoming iPhone designs.

But headphone makers might not even care about Apple’s stance on the standard headphone jack, a new report indicates.

DON’T MISS: From the iPhone 7 to the Apple Watch 2, here’s what Apple plans to release in 2016

Speaking with Tech Insider at CES 2016, CEO of Sennheiser Dr. Andreas Sennheiser said that the company will simply go with the decision Apple will make regarding the audio experience in its upcoming line of mobile devices.

“If Apple decides to go with a new standard, we will look at the opportunistic side and how we can exploit that change in a positive way to give a better sound experience,” the exec said.

That certainly sounds like something any third-party accessory maker would say. After all, let’s not forget that the iPhone accessory business is a very large one, and all sorts of companies thrive thanks to the popularity of the iPhone. Regardless of what comes along in terms of iPhone design changes, these companies will certainly adapt to meet the needs of consumers, whether it’s a new case design or a Lightning-based pair of headphones.

Sennheiser said that “in the audio world we’ve seen different connection standards come and go for many many years.”

The CEO further explained that Apple’s potential change might bring an overall improved sound experience, including 3D effects. The sound company just announced a new Ambio 3D audio technology that uses a digital signal rather than stereo audio.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.