Speculations say that for its next lineups like the iPhone 7, Apple will reportedly ditch the 3.5mm audio jack in favor of a Lightning-type port. Will this technology expand to other company iterations line the rumored iPad Mini 5?

Previous reports mentioned that one of the big changes for the new iPhone 7 is that Apple will opt out on the 3.5mm audio jack. Instead, the new iteration will integrate a Lightning-type port for sound output. Should this be true, then a redesigned iPhone 7 is also on the way, since ditching the standard audio jack means there is more room for under-the-hood specs, and the new iPhone may come out with a slimmer body and a sleeker profile.

Meanwhile, since Apple is also known to introduce new tech to most of its new lineups, will the Lightning-type audio port also make it to other late-year releases like the iPad Mini 5? According to industry followers, new Apple slates are expected to arrive later this year, most probably in September, along with the iPhone 7. If the new audio port is present in all new releases, Apple will have made a new standard as well as drastic redesign for its lineups.

However, it remains to be seen if the new releases will follow with the design changes for the iPhone 7, and there are even rumors that there might not be an iPad Mini 5 at all. Previously, the new slate is expected to arrive earlier this year, along with the much-awaited iPad Air 3. However, Apple decided to come out with a 2016 edition of the iPad Pro instead. The new Pro iteration has a 9.7-inch display which is similar to the iPad Air lineup. According to pundits, this places the rumored iPad Air 3 and even the iPad Mini 5 in jeopardy. Should the Cupertino-based company release a much smaller version, it might carry toned-down specs of the 2016 edition slate, and will come out as the iPad Pro Mini.