Removing The Headphone Jack
The Origin
In September 2016, through to October of the same year, Apple released the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus worldwide. While Apple releasing new smartphones every year was no surprise, the shocker was the absence of the headphone jack on both devices. Their (Apple’s) reasons for the removal included making the devices waterproof (which many did not understand because Samsung had been doing that for years, with the headphone jack intact) and that the headphone jack did not fit into the phone (also a very hard pill to swallow because designing your own device means if you want a particular feature to be part of it, it will be there.).
The ‘bold’ move was unprecedented. Very many consumers and observers alike, were unable to understand the reason behind the move. CNBC article claimed Apple had shipped 21.5 million units of the iPhone 7 model alone, by the first quarter of 2017. In the 3 years since then however, other industry heavyweights; Google, HTC, Motorola, Xiaomi, Sony and even Nokia (yes Nokia – insert 2 arms outstretched, touching each other) have also disposed of the headphone jack on their devices.
While certain tech enthusiasts say it is the logical evolution in technology, is the absence of this necessity a technological advancement or another way to get even more money from consumers? The new accessories which have been introduced into the market to ‘help’ consumers cope or adapt seem to lean toward the latter.
In Kenya, the Apple Airpods (pictured above, top left corner) retail for 20,000ksh (200$). Since its release, Digital Trends estimates Apple sold 16 million units of the Airpod in 2017 and 28 million in 2018 as of December 2nd 2018. If one pair goes for 20,000ksh… let me leave it there.
The Google Pixel USB Type C headphone adapter (top right), Apple lightning headphone adapter (bottom left), and USB Type C earphones (bottom right) are all new accessories that have become additional revenue streams for their respective companies.
The Real Reason Maybe?
Apple for example, did not own the rights to the 3.5mm headphone jack. Any accessories made using that jack, didn’t make Apple any money. With the elimination of the headphone jack, Apple will make money off of each and every accessory that gets plugged into their devices. Even if Apple does not design, manufacture or produce that accessory. This is because, Apple owns the proprietary rights to the lightning port. The absence of the headphone jack means any company looking to make third party accessories for the lightning port say for example, earphones or headphones, will have to pay Apple. This makes it a direct revenue stream for Apple.
What all of that means for the average, everyday iPhone user is a major change and a rather uncomfortable one at that. Move over 300 to 500ksh earphones, hello overly priced royalty fee included earphones that I will not be able to use on my laptop or any other device not sporting the lightning port. Oh I did I mention other companies are joining the bandwagon?
A future without the headphone jack, is looking rather scary.
