Apple made the “courageous” step to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack. Bold move, but is it part of a larger wireless vision for the company?
Apple is betting big on the wireless world. Much has been said over the past few months (and even more since the reveal) about Apple ditching the 3.5mm headphone jack in favour of having just a single lightning port. Alongside the new iPhone 7 range the company also introduced the AirPods – tiny wireless earbuds that the company claims greatly improve on standard Bluetooth technology. Apple senior vice president Philip Schiller made it clear Wednesday that the company sees a future where its sleek gadgets are no longer encumbered by cords at all. He stated –“It makes no sense to tether ourselves with cables to our mobile devices.” The wireless strategy does come with a few risks though, which will inevitably tick off many consumers.
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These AirPods come at a premium of $160 USD so it won’t be a casual purpose. And when you combine the price with the high probability of misplacing these suckers it already becomes a worry. Analysts at IHS Technology say that Apple used a smooth-surfaced design that doesn‘t conform to the shape of the ear, which will decrease the risk of them falling out. Imagine going for a run or cycle and the tiny Airpod drops out into the gutter – the horror! Even though the iPhone 7 will ship with lightning port earbuds and a 3.5mm converter the company will be pushing the wireless tech. They not only want to ditch cables they also want to move towards smarter earphones.
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Apple pointed to improvements in its Siri voice control software, which can be activated by double tapping the AirPod. Reportedly Apple made a huge effort to improve on standard Bluetooth technology, which can be unreliable and finicky when used to pair wireless headsets with phones or other devices. In addition to the usual Bluetooth standards the Airpods have special sensors, a microphone and noise cancelling technology. They also have a processor chip designed by Apple, combined with software that Apple says will make it simple to sync them with an iPhone, Apple Watch and other Apple gadgets
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Apple isn’t way out of line with current market movements. Samsung launched its IconX wireless earbuds, which include biometrics, last month. Sony‘s Xperia Ear promises to deliver weather and message notifications via voice, and to recognise input either by voice or head movements. The Cupertino company are pushing the envelope though, by taking the “courageous” step to drop the 3.5mm jack.
Apple has a history of making bold moves, none bigger than ditching the physical keyboard way back with the first iPhone. I get the sense that their loyal customer base will need some time to adjust, but in the end will accept the wireless route they are heading in. At least there is one big positive for iOS users and that is when Apple decides to do something, the do it well. Whether you agree with Apple’s wireless agenda or not, it is clear from the direction that the tech market is taking that they probably know what they’re doing. And don’t forget – this move will make Apple a sweet amount of money!
Do you agree with the changes Apple are making? Let us know in the comments section below.
Follow Jaco van der Walt on Twitter: @Jaco_vdWalt
