Apple this week unveiled the iPhone 7 sans headphone jack. Wired headphones must be plugged in via the Lightning port, meaning you can't charge your phone and listen via wired headphones at the same time.
Not surprisingly, audio accessory makers are eager to sell you some solutions. First up is Belkin, which just introduced the Lightning Audio + Charge Rockstar port splitter. It plugs into the iPhone 7 or 7 Plus and offers dual functionality for charging and listening.
Simply attach a pair of wired 3.5mm headphones to the Lightning adapter (which comes with the new smartphones), then plug that into the Belkin accessory. At the same time, insert any old Lightning charging cable to ensure your phone doesn't run out of juice in the middle of the new Lady Gaga single.
The new dongle supports 48 kHz 24-bit audio output, and allows for remote control and voice cues from Apple's headphones.
According to Engadget, the $40 Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar goes on sale Oct. 10 via Apple Stores and Belkin.com.
The iPhone 7, meanwhile, sports a brighter display, longer-lasting battery, and water-resistance for protection against splashes and spills. The 7 Plus also sports two (not quite telephoto) 12-megapixel rear cameras with optical image stabilization; both feature a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD shooter, as well as a redesigned "taptic" Home button.
In anticipation of a headphone jack-less smartphone, some audio companies like JBL, Libratone, and Bragi have already introduced adaptable earpods, both wired and wireless.