One month ago, Apple launched their latest creations: the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. While they may look similar to Apple’s last two phone series, they come with striking differences.
The most controversial change appears at the bottom of the phones, with their power jacks. In both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple removed the headphone jack in exchange for another speaker. This innovation allowed the phone to lose a few millimeters, making it skinnier than the 6 and 6S. Early speculation from critics suggested that the extra set of speakers were just for show. However, this is not true. The new speakers give the phones a better sound experience with stereo capabilities, which users may find useful for watching movies or listening to music with friends.
But as great as this new feature sounds, real concern lies with the headphones. Now, iPhone users have two options. The first: they can simply use headphones by plugging into the power jack, using an adapter that Apple provides them with the new iPhone. However, this raises major problems. Users can no longer use headphones while charging their phones. Furthermore, because these new headphones, made to plug into the power jack, differ so greatly from others, users will have a much harder time trying to replace the technology in the event they lose or forget theirs.
The second option comes down to getting a pair of wireless headphones. One can stay loyal to Apple and wait for the AirPods ($159) release in late October or go for a pair of Beats wireless headphones ($199.95-$379.95), whose company has a partnership with Apple. The cheapest choice is to just order a pair on Amazon from whichever brand or price one likes best. Ranging from about $15 to $50, these headphones might not have the best quality, but they should do the trick.
The bottom line: the lack of a headphone jack creates problems. Nonetheless, Apple’s new innovation may go somewhere, eventually. The company would not simply take shots in the dark; they probably have something planned.
In addition to a headphone jack change, Apple also got rid of the home button, sort of. Although still visible and usable, the home button is not a “button” anymore. The circle has a sensor that emanates a vibration that gives the illusion of a button. This does not really interfere with the use of the home button, though. It still has the same functions, and it still does them well. Really, it just gives the button a cleaner feel.
The iPhone 7 Plus also got another huge improvement: a dual-lens camera. While the 7 got an impressive new 12 MP camera with optical image stabilization and quad-LED true tone flash, the 7 Plus got two. This allows for optical zoom at 2x and digital zoom up to 10x. Basically, its camera capabilities rival Galaxy phones, allowing even pictures taken in low light to look clear and pretty, which, arguably, makes it the 7 Plus’ best new feature.
Overall, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus do not disappoint. Although the disappearance of the headphone jack is a bit awkward, it was expected. Everything else about the phones shine like with every new iPhone, making buying the phones definitely worthwhile.
The Hilights
Device(s): iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus
Features: camera, power jack vs. headphone jack, home button
Company: Apple
Rating: 4.5/5 stars