iPhone 6 Release Date Update: Likely September Launch Without the 3.5mm Audio Jack - Reports

The upcoming iPhone 6 release date this 2014 prompted Apple to transition into digital connection ports to pave the way of the slimmest iPhone model ever created, according to recent reports.

Apple modified the MFi standard to include headphones that connect iOS devices via the Lightning port instead of the 3.5 mm Audio jack, according to 9to5Mac. This move from Apple has a huge implication particularly with audio lovers and app makers.

"A new program designed to allow third-party manufacturers to build headphones that would connect to an iOS device via the Lightning port, rather than the legacy 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, could mean that the latter's days in Apple's supply chain are numbered," Sam Oliver reports for Apple Insider.

Headphones connecting through the Lightning port will be able to receive lossless 48 kHz digital audio and send mono 48 kHz digital input through a mic. Similar to headphones today, manufacturers will be able to include remote volume and control playback into the new headphones as well. But on top of that, headphones could also be used with exclusive apps, launch apps once plugged in and manufacturers could make noise-cancelling headphones even without external battery.

Instead of using the EarPods for listening to whatever streaming music app, the future EarPods could only work with the iOS Music App and iTunes Radio.

Meanwhile, strong rumours about the upcoming iPhone 6 release date in September have become more consistent, particularly after the iOS 8 was introduced with fresh features at the recent WWDC 2014. Apple iOS 8 is set to roll out in September and during the WWDC 2014, the Cupertino tech giant's latest mobile OS was revealed and announced to run their new hardware devices, including the next flagship phone, which could be the iPhone 6.

Although there are rumours of a possible August launch, in the past, Apple has used September for its releases.

Moreover, on release date, the iPhone 6 will have a 128 GB variant and it will available for $400, according to Phone Arena, despite claims of analysts that the iPhone 6 will be available for $200 for the regular variant and $300 for the iOS 8 phablet.