Was Killing the Headphone Jack Wrong?

Why It Matters

The jack’s removal reshaped smartphone design priorities and the audio accessory market, boosting demand for wireless audio and enabling hardware improvements (battery life, water resistance) that influence purchase decisions. Manufacturers and accessory makers must continue to adapt product strategies to a predominantly wireless audio landscape.

Summary

Apple’s decision a decade ago to remove the iPhone headphone jack—debuting with the iPhone 7—helped accelerate rapid improvement in Bluetooth audio and the rise of wireless earbuds like AirPods. The move pushed the market toward wireless and USB-C solutions that offer built-in DACs and low latency, while wired headphones remain preferred for some use cases. Removing the jack also freed internal space in phones for larger batteries and better waterproofing. Today, the trade-offs are largely accepted by consumers, with the accessory ecosystem adapting accordingly.