4 solutions to the iPhone 7's dongle crisis
If you've got an iPhone 7, you're probably pretty pleased with yourself. What you're probably less pleased about is the removal of the 3.5mm headphone port.
While Apple has bundled a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter with the iPhone 7 (and sells a replacement for $9) this official doodad hogs the single port.
We've found four innovative products that let you charge your iPhone 7 and listen to music at the same time. Imagine that. Have a look through our options to find a solution that suits you...
1. Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar ($39.99)
Perfect for anyone with Lightning Audio headphones, Belkin's Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar lets iPhone 7 and 7 Plus owners listen to music, watch video discreetly or make phone calls through Lightning Audio headphones while you charge.
It features two Lightning ports, supports up to 24-bit 48kHz lossless output and boasts the "Made for iPhone" mark.
2. Fuze Case ($90)
Fuze is a case-based option for anyone who doesn't like the idea of dangling a dongle. Next to the access for the Lightning port, the case restores the phone's 3.5mm audio jack.
Made of durable TPU and ABS plastics, you also get protection for your handset. The case is slimline, adding 5mm of thickness and 28 grams of weight.
The real selling point is that the case also offers a built-in battery, which promises to double your iPhone 7's daily lifespan.
3. Griffin iTrip Clip Bluetooth Headphone Adapter ($19.99)
Griffin has come up with another, entirely different solution -- convert your existing headphones into ones that work wirelessly.
Ideal for anyone that's splashed out on expensive headphones and still wants to be able to use them with their iPhone 7, the iTrip Clip connects them wirelessly to your iPhone using Bluetooth 4.1. You simply plug your headphones into the iTrip Clip, pair the gizmo with your handset and clip it onto your clothing or bag. Once paired, the device will reconnect automatically in future.
You can use the iTrip Clip to play, pause, skip tracks, adjust the volume, activate Siri and make phone calls.
4. Auxilite Converter ($15)
A dongle option shipping in March via Indiegogo, the Auxillite is a small device that will plug into your iPhone 7's Lightning port, then offer, on either side of the cylinder, a Lightning port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There's also a model for Android phones.
Once plugged in, you'll be able to charge your handset while listening to music and other audio.
