14 DAY TRIAL // Rumor has it that Apple is planning to remove the headphone jack on the upcoming iPhone 7 and replace it with a Lightning connector or to use wireless headphones, but it turns out that not everyone is pleased with the change.
A petition that calls for the Cupertino-based firm to keep the traditional 3.5mm audio connector on the next-generation iPhone has exceeded 200,000 signatures and is very likely to reach its goal of 210,000 supporters.
“Not only will this force iPhone users to dole out additional cash to replace their hi-fi headphones, it will singlehandedly create mountains of electronic waste -- that likely won't get recycled. According to the United Nations, up to 90% of the world's electronic waste is illegally traded or dumped each year,” the petition reads.
“Apple plays up its green credentials, but the truth is that Apple only invested in renewable energy, and began phasing out toxic chemicals when public pressure became too strong to ignore. People power did it before, and we can do it again.”
Apple’s iPhone 7 plans
If the rumors that have recently reached the web are true, then Apple might remove the headphone jack and instead go for a single Lightning connector that allows the iPhone to be thinner than it currently is. In fact, people close to the matter have suggested that the next iPhone will indeed be thinner, and it turns out that one of the ways to achieve this is by removing the audio connector.
For users who won’t want to use a Lightning headset (which will be included in the box that comes with the iPhone 7), Apple will also offer the possibility of opting for wireless headphones, which the company expects to be the main choice for the majority of customers.
The next-generation iPhone is set to make its debut this year, with people close to the matter indicating that a release during the summer is very likely.