Apple is known for technological innovation. They came up with the iPod, the iPad and the iPhone – all of which were game changers. But their latest offering has had many tech journalists scratching their heads.

Why? Their new smartphone has been released without the humble headphone jack. That's right, customers who buy an iPhone 7 will not be able to plug traditional headphones straight in to their device.

Instead, they'll be encouraged to use 'AirPod' headphones, which connect wirelessly to the iPhone. These look much the same as the old earbuds, with one crucial difference: they’re cordless. And whilst we're all familiar with the frustration of tangled wires, the thought of two expensive bits of kit dangling precariously from our ears raises a simple question: what if they fall out?

AirPods have also been derided on social media for their appearance, with people saying they look like mini-hairdryers, like electric toothbrushes, and even like cartoon dog Snoopy. Others claim the change is about profit, as old headphones are now obsolete without an adapter.

Apple themselves admit the move has taken "courage", and insist the new approach saves vital space inside the phone, as well as making devices more water- and dust-resistant. AirPods also double as microphones and can be used to control the iPhone with just your voice.

So, could this mark the demise of one of the longest-standing technologies? The simple 3.5mm headphone jack was first used in transistor radios as far back as the 1950s, and earlier versions go even further to the telephone switchboards of the late 1800s.

Regardless, with a falling share price and strong, innovative competition, Apple needed to do something bold. Time will tell if their headphone strategy will help cut through the noise.
词汇表
up with 想出（点子或计划）
game changers 对特定商业领域有很大影响的产品
scratch one’s head 冥思苦想
jack 插孔
plug 插入（插头）
wirelessly 无线地
earbuds 一副耳塞
cordless 无绳的
tangle 缠成一团的
precariously 不稳定地
deride 被嘲笑
obsolete 被淘汰的，废弃的
adapter 适配器
dust-resistant 抗尘的
double as 还可以被当作
transistor radio 晶体管收音机
switchboard（电话）交换台
share price 股价
cut through the noise 迅速应对质疑