One more reason why Apple could replace the audio jack in iOS devices in 2016

Sources originating from Japanese blog site Macotakara, are hinting to a big upgrade coming to iTunes in 2016. The upgrade has to do primarily with the enhancement of the audio quality to what the sources describe as “High Resolution” audio.

Currently, the typical quality of streaming audio is 44KHz/16-bit. This is the typical sample quality found in compact discs. High Resolution audio is said to increase sample quality to 96KHz/24-bit audio.

Apple has not started rolling out the new format, however there is evidence that Apple has been gathering high-quality recordings on iTunes for several years.

The problem with introducing a new format, is that it requires new hardware to be introduced to consumers.

Rumors of Apple replacing the standard audio jack with a proprietary connector have been making the rounds for quite some time, and it could still happen, as long as consumers feel it’s a substantial enhancement to their experience.

Apple is very likely to make the new sample rate available on iTunes by next year, and most likely around the same time as the iPhone 7 announcement.

In this respect, Apple could take two routes: it could either replace the audio jack altogether, which would allow for an even thinner handset, or it could replace the standard earphones that ship with the new phone, for a different set that plug into the Lightning port, with the option of purchasing standard audio jacks separately.

While the latter would be a safer approach, Apple is not the one to take the easier route about its products, especially when it comes to making a design compromise.

Much of the effort into a new handset goes into the battery, the camera, and the sensors. These components take the most space in the device, which means that if Apple is set in providing longer battery life in a package as thin as the iPhone 6S, or even thinner, the audio jack could be on its way out.

If Apple moves forward with replacing the audio jack with the Lightning port, it might mean that third-party manufacturers of accessories may have to start offering Lightning port compatible earphones and headsets, alongside their current standards. This isn’t bad news, in fact it could push other streaming audio services to offer better quality audio as well, and create a market for an enhanced experience, across all devices supporting the standard.