We love you, man. (Or we um loved you.)
If you believe the Internet rumors and social media buzz, Apple’s new iPhone 7, set for release in September, will not include the standard 3.5mm headphone jack.
In some quarters, Apple is practically being accused of mutiny.
For others, it’s a time to mourn. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on how much we’re going to miss our beloved Jack. He was good to us, to all of us.
And yet, life goes on. We adapt. We get on with the show.
As we enter this new world, there are many unknowns. One major question: If Apple’s new iPhone 7 eliminates the headphone jack, what will it mean for users?
One scenario: You’ll have to invest in a set of wireless headphones, which has its advantages, especially in the gym. Another possibility: Apple includes EarPods, similar to those that already come with iPhones, but with a Lightning connector to replace the headphone jack. And yet another rumor: Wireless EarPods are in the works.
Not everyone is convinced that the headphone jack is gone forever. Some tech observers think Apple is simply too smart and savvy to antagonize hard-core iPhone customers and create a public relations disaster.
Others counter that Apple has a history of discontinuing legacy technologies, citing the original Bondi Blue iMac, which was released with no floppy disk as an example. They contend that the new iPhone 7, sans Jack, represents the future.
Who knows, maybe it’s premature to bid Jack farewell. We’re holding out hope that his demise is not imminent. On the other hand, we see the writing on the wall. Jack’s getting up there in age, and maybe we just have to accept that.