The Disappearance of the 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
The 3.5 mm headphone jack was once a standard feature on smartphones, but that changed after the iPhone 6s, which was the last iPhone to include it. | Image by PhoneArena
The shift away from the 3.5 mm jack wasn’t sudden without reason. Some argue it was a move by manufacturers to promote wireless audio products, while brands explained this transition as necessary due to slimmer phone designs and improved water resistance. Regardless of the reason, the jack slowly faded away.
Holding On to the 3.5 mm Jack for So Long
This was my go-to setup for years!
I remember testing wireless earbuds like Samsung’s Gear IconX early on and feeling underwhelmed by their limited battery life and subpar sound quality. At that time, these drawbacks made me reluctant to abandon wired headphones and the 3.5 mm jack.
How Wireless Audio Won Me Over
I used to pick phones based solely on whether they had the 3.5 mm port.
Despite my initial resistance, wireless audio began to improve significantly. Battery performance increased, sound quality got better, and the convenience of carrying fewer cables won me over day by day.
Wireless Audio Today: Progress and Setbacks
Wireless Bluetooth earbuds have come a long way | Image by PhoneArena
Though wireless headphones aren’t flawless—some users still report issues with latency, sound fidelity, and connectivity—the technology has matured enough that many find them preferable to wired alternatives.
Could the 3.5 mm Jack Make a Comeback?
The dream of a portless phone is still alive | Image by PhoneArena
Do people still want the 3.5 mm headphone jack? A 2021 poll showed 76% of respondents wished for its return, but that number has since declined to 62%. As wireless technology becomes the norm, perhaps the headphone jack’s days are truly numbered. Let’s see what 2025 has in store.
Do you think your smartphone needs a headphone jack in 2025?
Poll Results (94 votes):
- Yes: 62.77%
- No: 28.72%
- Other: 8.51%
