A Japanese tech blog claims that Apple may soon release a thinner iPhone sans the 3.5mm standard headphone jack. The upcoming new iPhone models may become available to consumers by next year.

Quartz reported that tech blogger Mac Otakara was the source of the news. Users would now have to plug their headphones into the smartphone's lightning port or use a separate dongle adapter, according to rumors. Another alternative for iPhone users is to use wireless headphones. Unfortunately, it is not so cheap and would also need to be charged every now and then.

Like Us on Facebook

Millions of iPhone fans are expected to complain about the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack which is the standard on virtually all devices that requires a headphone. Apple has not made an official statement on possible changes to the iPhone's design.

Three years ago, Apple decided to fit the iPhone 5 with a lightning port in lieu of the old dock connector that was first installed on the iPod. Despite the complaints from iPhone customers, the iPhone 5 was a commercial success. The lightning port is now the standard on Apple devices.

Apple is known to take a radical approach in trying to make its products visually appealing. The company stunned customers by releasing the iMac without any floppy drives back when it was the standard among desktop computers. While Windows-run laptops or notebooks feature several USB ports, Apple's newest MacBook comes with only one USB-C port. The tech company is also working hard to convince Apple Watch users to use wireless headphones instead.

Unlike many of Apple proprietary hardware designs, the 3.5mm headphone jack is a design that is free for any manufacturer to use. Customers, who still want to use their old headphones, will need to buy an adapter for their new iPhone. Apple may provide a lightning earphones for the smartphone.

However, the lightning earphone will only be limited to the iPhone and virtually useless for other devices such as desktops or laptops.

TagsiPhone, iphone 5, lightning port, USB-C port, wireless headphone, apple smartphone, Apple iPhone Lightining Port no Headphone Jack, Apple 3.5mm Headphone Jack