How the iPhone 7 Could Affect the Promo Industry

Yesterday, Apple introduced the newest version of its iPhone, and though it isn't a huge step from the previous 6S model, it does have a few new design features that stand out. And though these features are relatively minor, they could have a lasting effect in the promotional products industry. So, for those who might have missed the Apple announcement yesterday, here are some of the highlights of the new phone's design, and how we think it could affect the promotional products industry.

Where Is the Headphone Jack?
For starters, it has no headphone jack, rendering headphones with the classic 3.5mm jack useless for iPhone 7 owners.

That's probably the biggest development for this new iPhone. The phone comes with a pair of headphones that connects to the phone's Lightning port, which is also its charging port. So, for those who want to listen to music while the phone charges, it looks like you're out of luck for now. But, if developments from Apple's competitors, like Samsung, are any indication, we could eventually see wireless charging capability with the iPhone in the future. This means now might be a good time to look into wireless charging stations as promotional gifts.

On the wireless side, Bluetooth headsets have been gaining popularity for the last few years, so it's not a completely earth-shaking move for Apple to remove the headphone jack. Plus, Apple introduced wireless versions of its iconic earbuds.

A good idea in theory.

But the reality is that those Apple earbuds are tiny. So, for those who don't carefully place the earbuds in their original packaging after each use, or for those who plan to use them for physical activity, the risk of losing an earbud or two is very real. So, here's where the promotional products connection comes in. Especially with the growing popularity of 3-D printing, end-users could use a product designed to keep earbuds together after use, or little pouches to keep them safe on the go. Especially if the small, wireless earbuds trend continues.

Who knows? Maybe Apple would even come up with a way to keep everyone happy. After all, there has been a lot of protest about the lack of headphone jacks in the new iPhone model.

The iPhone 7 is water resistant so that your tears can run across it after you lose your headphones.

— Zyé  (@Zyelonkimble14) September 8, 2016

Stephen Colbert parodied the omission on "The Late Show."

Amazing news: The iPhone 7 offers less than ever before. https://t.co/YUpWJcWDbp #LSSC pic.twitter.com/kPUFerDz0t

— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) September 8, 2016

One T-shirt maker even designed a shirt to voice the frustration.

So, in the meantime, this could be a boon for distributors of wireless headsets. Golf Digest speculated that golfers especially would look forward to wireless capability while they walk the courses.

Improved Camera
The new iPhone has a souped-up camera, and the larger version, the iPhone 7 Plus, includes a telephoto lens in addition to the normal lens. So, now might be a good time for distributors to look into photo-related promotions for iPhone photographers.

Think of the high-quality selfies people can take with a new selfie stick.

New Cases
Although the iPhone 7 is roughly the same size and shape as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S, the redesigned camera will force those who upgrade to get a new case. That's also due to the lack of headphone jack, as the iPhone 7 has a new "stereo sound" quality with speakers on the top and bottom, Quartz reported.

It will be interesting to see how these changes impact the tech world and the promotional world in the coming months. And, as technology tends to move fast, we already have heard some rumors about the iPhone 8, so surely the future will bring even more technological development for us to follow.