Why would having multiple options be bad? It doesn't turn the usb c port into a useless port or anything?
Because this is how you end up with a Homer Car of a device.
You're argument is the same thing that led to "we should get rid of headphone jacks because we have Bluetooth."
Bluetooth is an option, its not the best option, but I wouldn't suggest removing Bluetooth because we have a headphone jack.
I mean... yeah it's the same argument and I agree with both. When we got Bluetooth and decent ear pods... time to get rid of the headphone jack we don't want both, one is redundant. Simpler, cleaner, more uniform is better for these devices in my opinion.
I agree with getting rid of dying interfaces, but this is a case where it makes way more sense to keep options available. Almost everyone uses audio, and different people have different priorities. Waterproofing the jack is easy, and phones still have enough space for them. The only way I can interpret their decision to remove that jack was to incentivize wireless headphone sales, and perhaps appeal to the small ultra minimalist crowd.
I just don't believe most people think the device is better without the headphone jack. It's not a "special use-case". Deleting the jack has definitely driven some sales for wireless headphones to people who don't want to use the dongle, rather than a desire to get rid of the wire.
For some reason it's very hard to find a cheap and solid way to charge via Lightning and use wired audio at the same time. My workaround is to charge after I'm done listening. Probably good for reducing phone use, but it can be annoying on occasion.
This is the main reason I'm still on Android, since the last iPhone I would even consider buying was the original SE.
Everyone else who doesn't need this doesn't have to pay for it by excluding it.
> This is the main reason I'm still on Android
For a $10 dongle? That's the critical decision in your mind?