Long live the headphone jack and the aux wired headphones that served us for more than a 100 years. But, since Apple has decided to take it away for good, you will have to adapt to it. Let’s all put our hands together and welcome … the Lightning Port! Now, we’re here to tackle the one question that’s been on your mind for a very long time. Given that you have to use the standard nine-pin port to listen to music, but that’s also the port that’s used for charging you phone, how can you listen to music and charge your iPhone 7 at the same time?
There are four ways to do it, and you can choose any one depending on your need or budget:
1. Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar
This adapter by Belkin has one male lightning connector that expands into two female lightning connectors. You can use one of the connectors to charge your iPhone and the other one to listen to music using the nine-pin connector headphones that will come bundled with your iPhone 7.
Belkin adapter will be available in India next month right along with the new iPhone 7 for a price tag of around Rs. 3000. It’s a bit pricey, yes, but it’s a great product to have.
2. Apple (or Third Party) Lightning Dock
The Lightning dock by Apple or any third party manufacturer is your second best bet if you’re looking to multi-task. The Lightning Dock has an auxiliary port to connect your 3.5 mm jack music devices while you’re charging your iPhone7.
Depending on whether you’re picking up a third-party or an original product, you will have to shell out around Rs 2500 to 4500 for a lightning dock. Both the variants are available in various colours to choose from.
3. AirPods by Apple
If you’ve been keeping up with Apple news post the launch of iPhone 7, you could not have missed out the AirPods. They are so cool! You can use these new wireless headphones to listen to music while your iPhone is charging the regular way through the Lightning Port.
The headphones connect over Bluetooth and only start playing when inserted into your ear. They also automatically stop when removed from the ears. These are a bit costly at Rs. 15,400 but Apple thinks these are the future of jack-free iPhones. And Apple is rarely wrong.
4. Use the Stereo Speakers
If you don’t want to spend money on any of the gadgets mentioned above, then you’re left with no option but to use the onboard stereo speakers to listen to music while your iPhone charges. While some of the reviews do say they’re good, for a music lover, they’re not going to be nearly enough. So I would suggest investing in a nice pair of external speakers. After all, you need something to bring the roof down during those wild in-house parties you’re going to throw!