Is there any proof of this chip? They only cite an iLounge review. iLounge does not cite any source for this information.

Apple uses authentication chips for video output via the dock but has not previously done the same for headphones. There isn't much room to include silicon inside of earbuds and I highly doubt this is true. Considering that there are already third party headphones that include a microphone and button for the iPhone, I doubt that there will be a licensing barrier to working with the new shuffle.

Until someone documents this I won't believe it.