Every year since 2007 Apple has released a new version of their flagship product and this year is no different. Earlier this week Apple announced the new iPhone to much acclaim and just as much if not more criticism. To many people’s chagrin, this year’s iPhone doesn’t have a headphone jack; instead Apple is going to use their proprietary Lighting Connector and this isn’t the first time Apple has forced its consumers to evolve.
In 2012 Apple’s 30 pin connector was replaced by, you guessed it the Lighting Connector. While the 30 pin connector had a good run, lasting 12 years, Apple elected to replace their own proprietary product with another. We know technology improves at a breakneck pace, but when you control the market by using your own hardware you force your consumers to follow or risk being left behind. Many people’s docks, cables, chargers and various other Apple paraphernalia were rendered obsolete in one swift move; this move to eliminate the headphone jack is no different.
While the headphone jack is decades old it was more than capable of delivering everything the human ear could ever want, and beyond what we can even hear. Apple’s elimination of the jack isn’t due to limitations as the phone is the same size as last years, while this is purely speculation, its likely a way for Apple to generate additional revenue. Sure you can use your old headphones with the new Apple products, but you need an adapter ($9), or you can elect to buy Apple’s new AirPods for $160, or you can elect to buy a pair of headphones with the Lightning connector but it won’t work on any other product, Apple’s included. Did I also mention that since the Lightning connector is Apple’s property they receive a “tax” of about $4 for every Lightning device sold? †
Now I know technology changes; Moore’s law essentially states that technology doubles every two years and hardware will eventually become antiquated. This just seems like Apple has passed the costs of its design to its consumers and instead of being practical, is looking to line their pockets a little more. What I do know for sure is that I don’t want to be anywhere near an Apple store today (9/9) as people flock to the mall to get a piece of Apple’s promised “future”.
All the best,
Wesley R. Nicholson, Mike Allen and Aaron Everdyke