Apple in new controversy as it launches iPhone 7

Apple boss Tim Cook will attempt to put a controversial $13 billion (£9.7 billion) tax affair behind him tonight as he launches the new iPhone 7 in San Francisco.

But the hotly awaited launch by the world’s biggest company has been marred by controversy after it emerged it was considering ditching the headphone socket and replacing it with a bluetooth-type connection.

The group has angered customers in the past by dispensing with various ports and connections for new products, which it claims makes devices slimmer and lighter.

Cook hit out at a $13 billion tax payment demanded by competition authorities in Brussels after they said the tech giant had not paid enough tax in Ireland.

Apple’s annual product launches are closely watched by traders and traditionally trigger a large spike or fall in shares for the group.

Shares in the company have struggled over the past year as it battles to arrest slower growth of its flagship handset.