One of the biggest problems of the iPhone 7 is how it can't charge and play music at the same time, but with the right tools at hand, it becomes possible.
This whole issue started when Apple decided to do away with the 3.5 mm headphone jack, but as a consolation prize of sorts, it did package the new iPhone with a pair of Lightning EarPods plus a Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter to boot. However, that doesn't solve the conundrum in question.
Put simply, users need to get ahold of some new accessories to listen to music and charge simultaneously, and that means they're going to have to fork over some extra cash to do just that.
With that said, here are some options to consider to take care of the problem.
Apple Lightning Dock
To no one's surprise, one of the solutions comes from Apple itself, and it's the iPhone Lightning Dock. As everyone may know by now, it has a Lightning connector that plugs into the iPhone and holds the device in place. On the back, it has a Lightning port for power and a 3.5 mm headphone slot.
In a word, it's a pretty A-OK workaround, but it'll hold customers back by $49.
Interestingly enough, one of 9to5Mac's readers got in touch with Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller via email, who also suggested the Lightning Dock.
Hi Zaheen,
I like to listen on my AirPods while my iPhone 7 Plus is charging because I am free to move around.
However, if you would like to listen to wired headphones while charging an iPhone 7 it is possible to do that as well.
The Apple Lightning Dock includes a headphone jack for using wired headphones or speakers while charging.
I hope that helps.
Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar
Coming in with a quick fix is the Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar, a product that came to light after a collaboration between the accessory maker and Apple.
The mini-hub sports two Lightning ports - one for charging and one for Lightning headphones. Needless to say, users will need to use the Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter for standard earphones.
It's not exactly affordable either at $39.99, but nevertheless, it's a decent option. Availability-wise, it's expected to roll out on Oct. 10.
Apple AirPods
Going wireless effectively throws the problem out the window, and Apple's own AirPods can do the trick. It's packed with a couple of nifty features too, including but not limited to streaming music and activating Siri by double tapping on either bud.
It's the most expensive solution out of the bunch at $159, but before anyone says anything about it, it's actually priced competitively. For instance, other completely wireless headphones in the market such as the Samsung Gear IconX and Bragi's The Dash cost $199.99 and $299 respectively.
The Bottom Line
To sum things up, there are indeed plenty of ways for iPhone 7 owners to charge and listen to music at the same time, but they involve some extra moola and wires.
If you know about any other methods to solve the issue, feel free to drop by our comments section below and let us know.
