Apple to redesign iPhone headphones for the first time

Images of new iPhone headphones have apparently been leaked ahead of the launch of the new iPhone, which is expected to be next week.

iPod advert
Apple's white earbuds have become iconic over the last 10 years

A Vietnamese website has posted a video of what it claims are the redesigned Apple headphones reportedly manufactured at a factory in Vietnam.

The next iPhone is expected to launch next Wednesday although no details have been confirmed.

The video shows the new Apple branded in-ear headphones and compares them to the old headphones provided with the iPhone 4S.

The website, Tinhte.vn, said that the new headphones will replace the previous ones as standard for Apple products

It also comments that the headphones have the appearance of a "horse's head" and a much smaller and more streamlined profile than the current version.

The integration of the design means that the buds are one single unit and are apparently more comfortable to wear.

If the reports are confirmed this would be the first major redesign of the distinctive white headphones since the iPhone launched in 2007.

The new iPhone is rumoured to be thinner than previous models, in part thanks to new technology that combines the touchscreen layer with the display itself.

Reports also suggest that the new iPhone will have a screen that is longer - but not wider - than the current version and that it will drop the familiar 30-pin dock connector.

Last week sources predicted that stocks of the iPhone would be affected by manufacturing delays.

Sharp, which is manufacturing the screens for the phone is reportedly struggling with costs.