Apple iPhone 7 Headphones - When Simple Isn't So Simple

Reports recently surfaced that when Apple releases its new iPhone 7 later this year it will no longer include an industry standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. 

Instead, rumor has it, the phone manufacturer will design a new set of headphones that fit into the lightning cable port, which is the port that iPhones have historically used for power and data transfer. Consumers will also be able to use wireless headphones.

Apple will likely argue that this move allows the company to simplify the phone design and make the phone thinner. The notion of minimalism is at the heart of Apple's design principles - so this move is consistent with the brand's equity. From its products to its stores, Apple's simple design is as much about making the products beautiful as it is about making the usage experience as simple and easy as possible for the consumer.

However, in this case, Apple's quest for simple isn't so simple.

That's because the news, while seemingly minor, has unleashed a wave of consumer frustration with nearly 250,000 consumers signing a petition in a matter of a few days protesting the potential move. 

Many of these consumers are outraged that their existing headphones would be obsolete and they'd have to spend money to replace them. In this case, the simplest solution for consumers is continuing to allow them to use whatever headphones they want.  Other consumers, along with environmentalists, are also concerned about the environmental impact of the electronic waste from the disposal of obsolete headphones.

Simply put, while this move is inevitable in the long-term.  Apple may have to rethink the short-term impact of this design move or at consider including a free adapter.