Apple iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus Release Date & Specs: Smartphone Will Have Wireless Beats Earpods [Rumors]

Following reports that Apple will ditch the standard 3.5mm headphone jack and opt to install a lightning connector for the upcoming iPhone 7, yet another rumor about the upcoming smartphone has come to light. 

The report by 9To5Mac says that the Cupertino, California-based tech giant is currently working on a prototype of a Bluetooth-enabled set of earphones that might debut alongside the new flagship smartphone expected to arrive this fall. The publication reports that the new device from Beats Electronics, acquired by Apple in 2014, and could be called “airpods." The trademark was registered by the iPad-producing tech giant.

The concept for these earphones is said to similar to Motorola's and Bragi's, complete with different ear sleeve sizes. It is also reported that these do not have any ports for charging, instead, it will come with a carrying case that doubles as its rechargeable battery for when the earphones are not in use.

Currently, Apple is still testing the product and is said to be experiencing a delay due to battery concerns. Given that the earphones require wireless chips and separate batteries to supply power, a short battery life is expected.

These new earphones won't be a free accessory, rather, they will most likely be a premium alternative to a new version of Apple's corded Earpods and will be sold separately.

Because the new Apple/Beats Earphones have been designed like other wireless earphone units, it's price will be at around $200 - $300, reports MacWorld. Apple will likely debut the new earpiece this fall alongside the highly-anticipated iPhone 7.

In related news, it seems that many Apple users are not happy with the recent decision to ditch the standard 3.5mm jack for the Lightning connector. According to a report from Forbes, a petition filed on activist site SumOfUs.org is against the decision.

At first, the petition only looked for 10,000 signatures, but in just a short amount of time, more than 200,000 have signed, signifying the huge amount of disappointment that the ditch has made – not to mention the amount of money that consumers would spend for another set of earphones that has the said connector (like this).

“Apple is about to rip off every one of its customers. Again.”

What do you think of Apple's plans? Share your opinion in the comments section below.