The iPhone 7 is rumored to be arriving this fall, and as is tradition, tech blogs and industry insiders have already begun formulating reports and concept designs in anticipation of the phone giant’s forthcoming newest installment. While the physical design of the phone appears to be only a slight deviation from the already existing contours of the iPhone 6/6 Plus and 6S/6S Plus, reports have surfaced today that there will be one major change to the exterior of the phone: the headphone jack we all know and love, which has been a part of iPhone designs since the phone was first introduced in 2007, is being abandoned.
According to Metro UK, Apple will instead be switching to the primary audio output connection being the “lightning connector”–also known as the charging port for Apple devices–for which appropriate headphones will be included in shipments of new iPhones, much like the already existing white headphones that come with new phone purchases. The only way iPhone users switching from the 6 series to the 7 will be able to continue using their headphones is if they connect via bluetooth.
Forbes points out that if true, it could be the riskiest maneuver possible for Apple. According to the business and finance publication, Apple’s sales have fallen for the first time since the release of the 6S and 6S Plus, and this headphone maneuver could further alienate iPhone users, a move that could “backfire in spectacular style.”
