September 16, 2016
iPhone 7 released
Apple released the iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. 7 on September 16, 2016 — removing the headphone jack and adding water resistance and stereo speakers.
What it was for
Dropping the 3.5 mm jack pushed developers and accessory makers toward Bluetooth audio and LightningApple's reversible connector — replaced the 30-pin dock on iPhone and powered MagSafe accessories. adapters — a controversial port transition that foreshadowed wireless-first mobile design.
Companies
- Apple
Why it's here
The iPhoneApple's smartphone line — touch-first mobile computing and the App Store ecosystem since 2007. 7 forced the mobile ecosystem toward wireless audio.
Why it mattered
Removing the headphone jack changed how apps and hardware handled audio routing.
What it solved
Wired headphones were universal; phones needed better water resistance without port compromises.
Media
- ImageIPhone 7
Rafael Fernandez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- iPhone goes on saleJune 29, 2007
- iPhone SE (1st gen) releasedMarch 31, 2016
- iPhone 8 releasedSeptember 22, 2017
- Android announcedNovember 5, 2007
- T-Mobile G1 releasedOctober 22, 2008
- Samsung Galaxy S releasedJune 4, 2010