So, now it looks like we know another big reason Apple bought Beats. From Forbes: [Editor's note: The original headline stated as fact that Apple was abandoning the headphone jack. This is informed opinion, so we added a question mark.] Suddenly why Apple AAPL +0.39% spent a seemingly ludicrous $3.2 billion buying Beats is starting to make sense. The reason: Apple is being more Apple than we ever imagined and it could mean saying goodbye to your favourite pair of headphones. Furthermore, if my theory is correct, then the new ones you buy will probably have Beats on the logo. Get Ready For Lightning Headphones Like most Apple developments, the news emerged from a leak. 9to5Mac has learnt that Apple submitted a specification to its MFi (Made For) licensing program for headphones which connect using the company’s proprietary Lightning port instead of the standard 3.5mm jack. Furthermore all it will take for the Lightning port to start accepting these new headphones is a firmware update.
Omg! Are you freaking serious! If I can't use my nice pair of iem than this is pretty ridiculous. Is that what's happening? Great find!
If they did that, I for one would never buy any. I have some 'Atari' branded headphones I picked up for £20, I wouldn't pay their ridiculous price for those, I'd do without. Tbh I'd never pay more than £20-30 for headphones. (Approx $30-45)
Ain't gonna happen. How would you listen to a movie or whatever in headphones if you are charging your device at the same time? There will always be some kind of headphone jack/port separate from the lightning port. I think the acquisition has more to do with music in general rather than just fancy headphones.
Agreed on your logical take on this "story." But the purchase (which was kind of a bargain for Apple, considering Beats yearly revenues) was also very much about brand value, especially outside of Apple's traditional audience. Check out Beats new, epic World Cup ad to see what I mean.
And about $250 profit on all those $300 sets of Beats.... I posted here about how Beats cost $14 - $35 in parts based on which model.
Well, how about this report? In a potentially controversial move, the company wants to get rid of the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack that connects essentially all types of headphones to all types of smartphones and replace it with something better. During a WWDC briefing session this week, Apple revealed its plans for a new standard that would use the company's own Lightning Connector port to plug a set of headphones into a smartphone or tablet. The logic behind the decision, outlined by Apple's manager of platform accessories Robert Walsh, is to bring more functionality and performance to headphones. The Lightning Connector can be used to power as well as connect devices for example, so headphones could have controls, like volume or nose cancellation features, but wouldn't need their own batteries to power the features.
I know there's talk about Apple being more "open" these days, but it's unheard of for the company to tip its hand about major changes like that -- and especially coming from a manager and not from upper management. WWDC briefing sessions are not open to reporters and, as I understand it, are covered by NDA. So this "scoop" came to Forbes second hand. I am dubious.
There is no way they're getting rid of the jack entirely. No way. I would believe that they might change their proprietary headphones to use the lightning connector, or even wireless, but to get rid of the universal standard jack for good? No.
Then don't you think that manager would have said that he didn't say that? I have looked for reports online and can't find any. In fact NO stories disputing by Apple. Apple lies like everybody lies in business..... so they could deny it and still do it.
