Upcoming Samsung smartphones may do away with headphone jacks in favor of a proprietary port, similar to what Apple introduced on the iPhone 7 last Wednesday, according to Digital Music News . Sources told the publication that Samsung is “actively and aggressively” considering this design change for its smartphones.
If true, it could mean Samsung may do away with the USB Type-C port it introduced on the Galaxy Note 7 for something new. It would also differentiate Samsung’s devices from other manufacturers, which have already removed 3.5mm headphone jacks from their devices and use the USB Type-C as both acharging and audio jack. Devices including the Motorola Moto Z and the OnePlus 3 both feature such configurations.
The recently announced iPhone 7 features a sole port, its proprietary Lightning port. With the iPhone 7 headphone jack removed, users now have the option of getting headphones with a Lightning port connector or getting a Lightning to mini-jack connector adapter to continue using standard headphones. Apple also announced its wireless headphones, the AirPods.
Samsung has already released its Icon X wireless earbuds , which include internal storage and can hold up to 1000 songs. A shift toward a jackless phone could put Samsung in a similar trajectory as Apple by urging consumers to invest in such accessories. Samsung’s wireless earbuds sell for $199, while Apple’s will sell for $159 starting Friday.
Currently, the report remains unconfirmed. However, rumors have recently picked up for Samsung’s next smartphone, the Galaxy S8, which may release early , following the negative press due to the Galaxy Note 7 recall.
