Although many were up in arms when Apple revealed that its iPhone 7 model would have no headphone jack, other brands are beginning to follow suit, despite the controversy.
Most recently, Samsung's rumored to have plans to go without the audio input on its Galaxy S8, with alleged plans to swap it for a USB-C port instead. As Engadget explains, this change would "create more room for a larger battery, more sensors, stereo speakers and other upgrades that aren't as practical right now."
While the tech giant has yet to confirm whether or not it will actually supply no headphone jack in the future, it's likely that consumers will find out in February 2017, when new Galaxy S models are revealed.
Expanded Hardware Smartphones
Samsung is Rumored to Be Removing Headphone Jacks on Future Models
Trend Themes
1. No Headphone Jack Smartphones - The rise of smartphones that remove audio inputs creates opportunities for manufacturers to focus on other features and upgrade battery life.
2. USB-C Audio Inputs - As more manufacturers slowly shift to USB-C audio inputs, companies who make the peripherals will have opportunities to innovate and improve technology.
3. Hardware Upgrades - The removal of the audio jack creates more space for bigger batteries and other hardware upgrades, including sensors and stereo speakers.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The consumer electronics industry will continue to shift towards the removal of audio inputs, focusing on opportunities to improve battery life and incorporate new features.
2. Audio and Headphones - The shift to USB-C audio inputs creates opportunities for companies within the audio and headphone space to innovate and create new products that are compatible with the new technology.
3. Smartphone Manufacturing - The removal of the headphone jack will allow smartphone manufacturers to focus on innovative hardware upgrades, including larger batteries, improved audio and other features.