New iPhone 7 Leak Contradicts Credible Rumors, Includes 3.5mm Headphone Jack

iPhone 7 rumors have dominated the internet for months now with talk of a touch-sensitive home button, waterproof casing, new dual-camera technology, and a smart connector for accessories. The most prominent rumor, however, is the rumor that Apple will be ditching the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack in the design of the new smartphone.

While many people are unhappy about Apple reportedly getting rid of the 3.5mm jack, there is quite a strong case for it – in eliminating the 3.5mm jack, Apple could introduce a thinner device (1mm thinner, according to reports), and it frees up valuable real estate on the phone that could be put to better use – a larger battery, for example.

A move to headphones that utilize the Lightning port (or perhaps USB-C port) could see the introduction of headphones with improved sound quality, active amplification and noise cancellation, app control, and a host of other features.

The rumor has all but been confirmed via a series of purportedly leaked photos of schematics, cases, and components. A new “leaked” photo, however, may contradict the most prolific iPhone 7 rumor after all.

A photo posted on Chinese social media site Weibo and later highlighted on French technology blog NoWhereElse appears to show components of the unreleased iPhone 7 that contain not only a Lightning port, but also the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. The photo is the first that has surfaced on the internet that seems to contradict the rumor that the iPhone 7 will indeed get rid of the headphone jack.

It should be noted that NoWhereElse has a bit of a hit-or-miss track record with their leaks and predictions. While the site did post a leaked photo that accurately predicted the lack of 3D Touch on the iPhone SE, as well as the fact that the iPhone 6s would indeed have a 16GB storage option (that was rumored to be eliminated before its release). However, the site was also one of the first to share photos that supposedly show iPhone 7 renders and case schematics that lack a space for the 3.5mm headphone jack – the most recent leaked photo seems to contradict previous photos that the site has shared.

There’s no way to tell at the moment whether or not the photos are authentic – more accurate leaks and rumors will likely pop up as the iPhone 7’s release this September comes closer. However, whether the smartphone has a 3.5mm headphone jack or not, one thing has become clear amid all of these rumors – the jack is outdated, and will likely be replaced with more feature-rich digital options in the near future.

Should the iPhone 7 include a traditional headphone jack? Let us know in the comments below.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]