Nowhereelse.fr is reporting that they have obtained leaked photos of an iPhone 7 case design that lacks any cutout for a 3.5mm headphone jack. If these photos are accurate, it could possibly mean that Apple has decided to forgo the headphone port and is instead planning on funneling audio through the Lightning cable.
Let the leaks begin!... #Apple #iPhone7 pic.twitter.com/WBphT2zUsJ
— OnLeaks (@OnLeaks) March 9, 2016
Apple has long been rumored to be considering changes to the way headphones work on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Removing the headphone jack would dramatically save space inside the iPhone carriage, allowing Apple to slim the iPhone 7 further down.
Alternatively, Apple could use the space to add a second speaker to the iPhone 7 where the 3.5mm headphone jack currently is on the iPhone 6s. The leaked photos of the iPhone 7 case design seem to support this theory, with the speaker-shaped cutout located at the bottom of the case.
If the headphone jack has been scratched, it would mean that Apple plans to pipe audio data through the Lightning cable on the iPhone 7. This could mean the advent of Hi-Res Audio in the Apple Music and iPhone experience. Lightning cables are capable of transmitting audio up to 192kHz/24-bit, while Apple’s Hi-Res Audio codec on the other hand would be 96kHz/24-bit.
The leaked iPhone 7 case design photos also show a wider cutout than currently needed for the iPhone 6s where the iPhone 7 camera would be situated. This could lend credence to the rumor that Apple is planning on unveiling a dual rear-facing camera system for the iPhone 7 that would allow higher image clarity in low-light situations, provide a zoom, or even possibly allow recording in slow motion at the same time as a regular video recording.
Nowhereelse.fr previously reported on a leaked 9-7-inch iPad Pro Mini schematic that showed what was formerly assumed to be called the iPad Air 3 incorporating the iPad Pro’s dynamic speaker design.
Other iPhone 7 rumors include a possible embedded camera with no rear antennas design and wireless charging technology.
