• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechFortune 500

New iPhone Leak Suggests the Headphone Jack Is Really Going Away

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
August 31, 2016, 3:15 PM ET
iPods Linked To Hearing Problems
Ian Waldie Getty Images

There’s mounting (circumstantial) evidence that Apple might be eliminating the headphone jack in its next iPhone.

An image was leaked online on Wednesday purporting to show the packaging insert for an iPhone 7 Plus. While it’s unknown if it’s the real thing (and it’s easy to spoof such inserts), it contained a reference to EarPods that would connect through an iPhone’s Lightning port.

Apple will bundle tethered earbuds that resemble those it currently sells—and not wireless earbuds—which will connect through the iPhone Lightning port with the next iPhone.

The insert, which was earlier discovered by Apple-tracking site 9to5Mac, says that there will be an adapter in the box that will allow those with corded earbuds, like EarPods, to connect them through the iPhone 7’s Lightning port, which is currently used in the iPhone 6s for accessory connections and battery charging.

The leaked image should, like any Apple secret, be taken with the proverbial grain of salt. The notoriously secretive Apple hasn’t even said it’s launching a new iPhone, let alone one that will be known as the iPhone 7. The company also hasn’t hinted at if it’s planning wireless earbuds for an iPhone that wouldn’t come with a headphone jack. It’s possible, therefore, that the image is a fake.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

However, there is some reason to lend some credibility to the image. For one, it uses Apple’s typical font and looks strikingly similar to the inserts Apple has used in the past. The image has also leaked from China, where Apple’s manufacturing partners are believed to be completing production on the company’s next iPhone.

Perhaps most importantly, the leak also follows several earlier (and credible) rumors surrounding Apple’s plans for the future.

Over the last several months, rumors have surfaced saying that Apple is planning to launch a new iPhone in September. Earlier this week, the company sent out invites to a special press event set for September 7, which is expected to play host to the unveiling of its next iPhone, believed to be known as the iPhone 7.

iPhone 7 Rumor Roundup: Release Date, Features, and More

In the weeks leading up to the invites, a slew of rumors have said that Apple is eliminating the headphone jack in its next iPhone in favor of dual speakers on the bottom of the handset. The company was also working on wireless earbuds, reports and analysts have said, which would connect to the new smartphone via Bluetooth wireless.

One of the big question marks, however, is if Apple would include an accessory with each iPhone that would allow those who have tethered headphones to connect to the smartphone via the device’s Lightning port. Some reports said Apple would include the accessory with the device while others suggested it would sell it separately. The packaging insert suggests Apple would do the former rather than the latter.

For more about iPhone, watch:

Ultimately, it’s impossible to say for sure what Apple has planned, and the company isn’t sharing any details on another iPhone until Sept. 7. So until then, expect similar leaks to continue until we see the real deal.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Apple CEO Tim Cook wearing a white polo shirt and throwing up a peace sign
Big TechApple
Apple won’t be the same in 2026. Meet the company’s next generation of leaders and rising stars after its biggest executive exodus in years
By Dave SmithDecember 8, 2025
10 minutes ago
Successphilanthropy
Craigslist founder signs the Giving Pledge, and his fortune will go to military families, fighting cyberattacks—and a pigeon rescue
By Sydney LakeDecember 8, 2025
1 hour ago
Streaming
Big TechStreaming
Netflix-Warner deal would drive streaming market further down the road of ‘Big 3’ domination
By David R. King and The ConversationDecember 8, 2025
1 hour ago
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang
SuccessCareers
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says people need to find success in traditional factory jobs again: ‘Every successful person doesn’t need to have a PhD’
By Emma BurleighDecember 8, 2025
2 hours ago
Paramount
Big TechM&A
Next shoe in Netflix-WBD saga drops as Paramount launches hostile bid that includes Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner
By Nick LichtenbergDecember 8, 2025
2 hours ago
Google.org
CommentaryTech
Nonprofits are solving 21st century problems—they need 21st century tech
By Maggie Johnson and Shannon FarleyDecember 8, 2025
4 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Real Estate
The 'Great Housing Reset' is coming: Income growth will outpace home-price growth in 2026, Redfin forecasts
By Nino PaoliDecember 6, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Politics
Supreme Court to reconsider a 90-year-old unanimous ruling that limits presidential power on removing heads of independent agencies
By Mark Sherman and The Associated PressDecember 7, 2025
1 day ago
placeholder alt text
AI
Nvidia CEO says data centers take about 3 years to construct in the U.S., while in China 'they can build a hospital in a weekend'
By Nino PaoliDecember 6, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
The most likely solution to the U.S. debt crisis is severe austerity triggered by a fiscal calamity, former White House economic adviser says
By Jason MaDecember 6, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Uncategorized
Transforming customer support through intelligent AI operations
By Lauren ChomiukNovember 26, 2025
12 days ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says Europe has a 'real problem’
By Katherine Chiglinsky and BloombergDecember 6, 2025
2 days ago
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.