First Look: Apple iPhone 7 has two cameras but no headphone socket
By David Flynn, September 8 2016
Apple’s annual iPhone launch has pullback the curtains on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, which will hit Aussie streets on September 16 alongside the new Apple Watch 2.
As expected, neither of the 7 twins represents a massive leap forward from last year’s 6S series – the general consensus is that Apple is assembling its biggest and best new tech for the next iPhone (be that the iPhone 7S or the iPhone 8).
And as widely tipped, the iPhone 7 axes the standard 3.5mm audio jack: audio is now piped through the same Lightning connector used to charge the iPhone, with Apple tossing a pair of Lightning-equipped EarPods into the box alongside a Lightning-audio adaptor.
There's also a fresh set of wireless earbuds called AirPods for $229 which come in their own carry & charge case – one charge delivers a maximum five hours' listening time, while the case contains a battery rated to supply 24 hours of juice.
While the iPhone 7 still doesn’t rate as truly waterproof the chassis, screen and speakers are best described as water-resistant or ‘splashproof’.
The chip powering the iPhone 7 series moves to four cores: two 'high-performance' cores for the heavy-duty work, and a pair of 'high-efficiency' cores which take care of background tasks when the phone's not being used, for an extra two hours of battery life between charges.
Apple is also playing up the iPhone’s photo-cred with the iPhone 7 Plus packing a dual-camera system.
Parked next to the standard 12-megapixel 28mm-equivalent wide angle camera is a 12MP 60mm-grade telephoto lens, which Apple says allows for true 2x optical zoom plus 10x digital zoom.
The smaller iPhone 7 keeps the single 12MP camera but both models gain optical image stabilisation and a four-LED flash for greater colour accuracy.
Also in the iPhone 7 mix: stereo speakers, a pressure-sensitive ‘3D Touch’ digital home button and the option of new matte black and jet black colours.
Storage has doubled, reflecting both the lower cost of solid-state memory and the increased size and number of apps: the cheapest iPhone 7 now packs 32GB while the flagship iPhone 7 Pro tops out at 256GB.
The iPhone 7 family is set for an Australian release on September 16 with the 32GB base model at $1,079 and the iPhone 7 Pro starting at $1,269 for 32GB through to $1,569 for 256GB. Telstra, Vodafone and Optus will announce their own iPhone 7 pricing and plans over the coming days.
Also read: What's in store for Apple's new Macbook Pro 2016?
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 501
I watched it live and honestly thought those AirPods would cost around US $100 and $150 at the most here in Oz. Was name-dropped when I saw the AU $230 pricetag on the site. Nevertheless I'll still be highly considering an upgrade from my S4, I've had enough waiting for a great iPhone.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Aug 2014
Total posts 213
Name-dropped....?
30 Jun 2011
Total posts 49
Rishi's jaw dropped so far that his name went with it as well.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
It's hard to keep up with young people-speak...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 501
Sorry, it was a typo, meant jaw dropped.
23 Feb 2016
Total posts 33
"Here at Apple we got rid of the 3.5mm because we hate wires."
Later...
"Please enjoy these wired lightning headphones and a dongle."
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Any thoughts on the future of headsets on planes?
With this move by Apple, will technology converge at some point?
Or will you have to buy two sets of headsets, one for the plane and another for your apple devices (assuming all new apple device will now feature this new technology only)?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 320
Given the slow pace of change in the airline industry I think you are right, at least in the foreseeable future, many who are Apple loyal will have to take 2 pair of headphones if they want to use the IFE on aircraft. I don't think this phone will be very successful for Apple anyway, it really offers very little the current phone does for the average user, many who need a new phone will still stick to the 6 if they have wired headphones, why pay another $500 for headphones if you already have a perfectly good wired pair.
30 Jun 2011
Total posts 49
My QC35s seems to work quite well with the 6s now. Those little Apple buds are going to be very easy to lose (at least for ppl like me).
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I know what you mean - very easy to lose!
Makes you wonder if Apple is just being novel for the sake of it.
They need to have seance and have the ghost of Jobs smack the current management on the head.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Oct 2015
Total posts 21
No one is forced to use lightning earphones or go wireless, they do include an adapter in the box. Also no idea where you got the $500 figure from.
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 397
The problem here is that Apple are still using lightning port. At some point, I am sure 3.5mm will be dropped. But the replacement will be USB-C, as that will be the standard everyone else, except for Apple, will use.In the future I am sure we would see USB-C on planes. Maybe some carriers will add lightning port to help those with Apple devices.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Sep 2014
Total posts 50
No need for carriers to add a USB-C port because Apple will just sell you a USC-C to lighting cord for $20.00. Apple is like WA, if the everyone says right, we'll go left thank you and charge you a little bit more for the privilege of coming along.
23 Feb 2015
Total posts 260
Samsung, I promise I will never leave you again...
03 May 2012
Total posts 120
With the added excitement of your charging phone setting your bed on fire while you sleep.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
Qantas at the moment has an extra inflight announcement for users of the Samsung Note 7 - Turn it off and you are prohibited from plugging it into USB or seat power outlets...
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