The 3.5 mm audio jack might disappear earlier than expected

Headphones that use the 3.5 mm audio jack have been around for decades, and they are not going anywhere yet. However, it looks like all premium smartphones and phablets will soon launch without offering this connector. It only remains to see if handset users who value the quality of their mobile audio experience above anything else decide to follow the trend or not.

According to ZDNet's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, "by the end of 2017 all of the top of the line smartphones will not have a headphone jack." He also added that it will not take long after that for the 3.5 mm audio jack to "be regarded by most consumers as a sign of a "budget" device." His top reasons for predicting this evolution are the added cost of using the connector in a design, the fact that the hole allows dirt, dust, or water to go through, and - above all - "Apple's started doing it."

Right now, the most popular flagship to come without the traditional audio connector is the iPhone 7, but LeEco took the same path with its latest smartphones as well, not to mention the Moto Z handsets. Even cheaper devices like the HTC Bolt come without a 3.5 mm jack, but only time can tell if this decision is the right one.