14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most controversial changes that Apple is getting ready to make to the next-generation iPhone is the removal of the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which for many seems to be the end of the world.
But while giving up on such a feature doesn’t sound good for some, Apple might be having a different plan in mind when it comes to the reasons it decided to go exclusively with a Lightning port.
By removing the audio port and using a Lightning connector for headphones (if no wireless version is used), Apple not only makes the iPhone 7 thinner but it also makes more room for speakers. Which translates into better speakers.
Front-facing speakers? Nope
Front-facing speakers for iPhone buyers might seem like a dream come true for many people, but what Apple is planning to do is improve the sound level and quality of the speakers with a new technology that needs more room inside the phone. A recently filed patent spotted by 9to5mac provides us with a glimpse into how this feature could work:
“The invention pertains to a portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, an audio element can be mounted on or coupled to an intermediate structure (e.g., a flexible electrical substrate) having an opening therein to allow audio sound to pass there through.”
“In another embodiment, an audio chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and a flexible electronic substrate to which the audio element is mounted or coupled thereto.”
In plain English, the removal of the audio jack would make more room for air to pass through the speaker system, which in the end would lead to a boost in volume output. The interior of the phone would play the role of an audio chamber, in a layout similar to that of the iPad Pro.
The new iPad uses four different speaker chambers, but it’s hard to believe that Apple has enough space in an iPhone to go for the same approach. But a dual-chamber configuration is very possible.
Of course, there are lots of uncertain things right now, so don’t take anything for granted until the second iPhone 7 sees daylight.