2016 MacBook Pro Sans Headphone Jack? Why Apple Is Asking Laptop Owners If They Are Using ‘Headphone Port’

Apple is reportedly releasing a 2016 MacBook Pro sometime in October. Ahead of the new laptop’s release, however, the Cupertino giant is asking owners of previous versions if they are really using the headphone jack. Is Apple planning on ditching the universal audio port for its new device just like what it did with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus?

According to The Verge, MacBook Pro owners are receiving notifications from Apple that contains a survey on the different ports of the device. And one of the questions is directed toward the use of the headphone port on Apple’s powerhouse: “Do you ever use the headphone port on your MacBook Pro with Retina Display?” With this, the technology-focused website is assuming that the iPhone maker is planning to axe the ubiquitous jack on its upcoming laptops.

The next in line for Apple’s laptop series is rumored to be the 2016 MacBook Pro that is said to be scheduled for release sometime next month. Because the survey has popped up prior the rumored release of the device, many are speculating that the tech giant is giving the new MacBook Pro the same treatment it did to its new iPhones.

However, MacRumors points out that a leaked MacBook Pro shell that is believed to be one for the 2016 iteration still comes with a headphone port. The shell also sports four USB-C ports and nothing more, suggesting that the tech giant is doing away with the other ports typically found on MacBook Air’s bulkier brother: the SD card slot, HDMI port, USB-A port and a MagSafe connection.

The survey that is being rolled out also contains a foreshadowing of the removal of the SD card slot as one question that MacBook Pro owners are asked to answer reads: “How do you upload photos from a digital camera or phone to your MacBook Pro with Retina Display?” The choices for this entry are: wirelessly, using a cable, SDXC card (i.e. memory card), USB/thumb drive and other (specify).

Some respondents are also claiming on social media that Apple is asking about the battery life of the existing MacBook Pro. But it’s still not clear what Tim Cook’s company is planning to do with the 2016 MacBook Pro’s battery. Thus far, what has been leaked about the device include the redesigned chassis and the inclusion of an OLED touch panel display atop the keyboard keys that was recently outed by a leaked trademark filing.