iPhone 7 to pack-in noise cancelling tech, support wireless charging

While the launch of the iPhone 7 is months away in September, the rumours for the same have already begun to seep out. Last we heard (or have been hearing) that Apple has plans to get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack to make the smartphone slimmer. But now another report from FastCompany not only confirms those previous rumours, but also adds some more details to them as well. And these are some interesting details indeed with some facts and insights to back them up. According to its source, Apple will be building a slimmer iPhone 7 and will cull the 3.5mm jack to achieve the same. But there’s more on that.  The source confirmed that the Lightning port on the iPhone will be hot-wired for sound output to wired headphones. Bluetooth headphones will also be an option. Apple is reportedly working with its long-term audio chip partner Cirrus Logic to achieve the above. Also, the audio system will utilise a new noise-canceling technology from Wolfston Microelectronics UK. The same will be partially installed in the iPhone, while the remainder will work from the headphones (EarPods). Also Apple (as always) will be minting some money by licensing the audio processing technology to accessory makers. For those of you who are unaware, Sony already utilises something like this and introduced the same with Xperia Z3+ back in 2015 at the MWC Barcelona. And then we have something similar to Sony that follows – waterproofing. Yes the website’s source also confirmed that the upcoming Apple iPhone 7 will indeed be waterproof. And along with that we also have wireless charging a new feature (similar to inductive charging on the Apple Watch) that will make an entry into Apple’s mobile devices lineup. Indeed, it again seems that Apple is simply playing catch up. But the source also says that wireless charging and waterproof capabilities have been added in development cycle at a later stage. Apple seems to be under pressure to add the above mentioned features in order to tempt buyers to upgrade to newer iPhone models, which also means that it is expecting the competition to heat up in year ahead.