Apple Will Still Include a Lightning to Headphone Jack Adapter With This Year's iPhones, Says Barclays

lightning to 3 5mm headphone jack adapterApple will continue to include a Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter with the trio of new iPhone models rumored to launch later this year, according to Barclays.

"We believe it stays this year but goes away at some point, potentially in the 2018 model," said Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis, and his associates, in a research note distributed today.

Cirrus Logic would remain the primary beneficiary within Apple's supply chain, as it's believed to provide some of the tiny audio-related components inside of the adapter.

Barclays contradicts Japanese blog Mac Otakara, which said Apple will no longer include the adapter in the box with the so-called iPhone 7s, iPhone 7s Plus, and iPhone Edition.

Apple eliminating the 3.5mm headphone jack on the iPhone 7 was a controversial decision, so it's easy to see why it might want to include the adapter in the box for at least another year. But, unlike when that iPhone launched last year, Apple's wireless AirPods and BeatsX earphones are now available.

Apple sells the Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter for $9 as a standalone accessory, which is cheap by its standards, so customers that still prefer to use wired headphones won't be forced to pay too much extra whether the adapter is removed from the iPhone box this year or later.

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Top Rated Comments

jsmith189 Avatar
111 months ago
I wonder what Steve Jobs would have to say about adding a dongle into the mix if he were still alive today...
But he's not, so let's stop bringing this hypothetical into every thread.
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jblagden Avatar
111 months ago
"But, unlike when the iPhone launched last year, Apple's wireless AirPods ('https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/airpods/') and BeatsX ('https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/beatsx/')earphones are now available.”

That’s nice, but we don’t all want wireless headphones. I prefer wired headphones because they have better price/performance and reliability. You don’t have to worry if your wired headphones need to be charged or how long their batteries will last. Apple’s AirPods are nice, but are overpriced for how they sound; they sound the same as $30 EarPods, while costing $160 - a 530% markup just for wireless!
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jblagden Avatar
111 months ago
I wish they'd extend that generosity toward new MacBook Pro buyers, we need adapters too.
Or even better: Build in more ports so those adapters aren’t necessary.

USB-A, Ethernet, Magsafe, SD card adapter.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
soupcan Avatar
111 months ago
Or, you know, don't drop industry standards for your own proprietary connector that adds zero value to your product AND then continue to sell your iPads/iPods/Macs with a headphone plug.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sunny1990 Avatar
111 months ago
Better if they include AirPods :D


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Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iphtashu Fitz Avatar
111 months ago
I wonder what Steve Jobs would have to say about adding a dongle into the mix if he were still alive today...
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)