News flash: Apple’s new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus don’t have standard 3.5mm headphone jacks! This topic hasn’t been widely discussed at all, so don’t feel bad if you were unaware of this major change. In all seriousness, Apple decided to remove the dedicated audio port on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus to clear space for other components and to help make the iPhone more water-resistant. The result undoubtedly ruffled some feathers — and Apple’s ridiculous “courage” explanation didn’t help matters — but there are some ways to work around the issue if you decided to go ahead and purchase an iPhone 7 anyway.
Looking to charge your phone while you listen to music? You’ll find several different ways to do it laid out in the post below.
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New headphones
Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus ship with Lightning EarPods as well as an adapter that will let you plug regular headphones with a 3.5mm plug into the iPhone’s Lightning port. Unfortunately, neither of those solutions will let you charge your phone while you listen to music.
So, the obvious first answer to this problem is to purchase new wireless headphones. I personally use the Under Armour UA Wireless Headphones, which are sweat-proof and sound fantastic thanks to JBL audio. You don’t need to spend anywhere near that much money to get good quality Bluetooth headphones though. Check out the SENSO ActivBuds, AYL Bluetooth Headphones, Mpow Jaws, Sound Intone P6 and Pantrasamia Premium Wireless Earbuds for more affordable options that are all well-rated.
Adapter
The Lightning to 3.5mm adapter included in the box with Apple’s latest iPhones only has one port, so you can’t charge your phone while you have headphones or an aux cable connected. There are some other adapters that include two ports though, thus allowing to you connect headphones and a power cord at the same time. Check out the Fstop Labs Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter, Canada Prime Adapter, Grapestec Charger and 3.5mm Earphone Jack Cable Adapter and Belkin’s Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar.
Dock
When you’re at your desk or stationary anywhere else, a dock can be just what the doctor ordered. There are a bunch of options out there but the best solution is probably Apple’s own iPhone dock, which is available in space gray, silver, rose gold, gold and black.
