If they really want to drop the headphone jack they need to go to USB C so they are on a standard that other people use.
Almost no one is using USB-C currently. It's hardly a "standard". And USB-C audio is a long way from becoming mainstream. The reality is that whether it's USB-C or Lightning, adapters will be a necessity for the next 10 years to ensure compatibility with all current audio products, equipment and devices, so USB-C or Lightning is likely moot. Apple users on the other hand will likely enjoy complete compatibility across all new Apple products going forward, as Lightning will be added to Macs.
And by the time that USB-C is widespread enough to actually qualify as a "standard", Apple will most likely be dropping ports entirely from their mobile products going with perfected wireless charging, wireless audio, and wireless data transfer.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if USB-C never becomes a standard, because it is replaced by something newer, smaller, more durable, more efficient, and safer. Meanwhile, Apple customers who have amassed a whole new collection of Ligthing cables and accessories in the last 4 years, since they had to replace their 10 years worth of 30-pin dock cables and accessories, will not have to shell out even more to update everything all over again to USB-C.
There's no question in my mind that Apple won't be replacing Lightning any time soon, especially after doubling down on the Pencil, TV remote, and Mac desktop peripherals.
Almost no one? Nearly all 2016 Android flagships have and are coming with USB C now. The MacBook and Chromebook Pixel also have it for charging, along with some newer tablets. Most higher end desktop motherboards have USB C as well.Almost no one is using USB-C currently. It's hardly a "standard". And USB-C audio is a long way from becoming mainstream.
Almost no one? Nearly all 2016 Android flagships have and are coming with USB C now. The MacBook and Chromebook Pixel also have it for charging, along with some newer tablets. Most higher end desktop motherboards have USB C as well.
Just because USB C is new, doesn't mean it's "hardly a standard", it is a standard, and is rapidly becoming more common.
Wouldn't it be nice if headphone manufactures made headphones that worked on iOS devices, Androids, and laptops? Having a Lightning connector means if you ever want to use those headphone on a laptop or Android phone, it would either not work or you'd need another adapter.
Android phones have always shipped with USB, usually mini or micro, and iPhones have always shipped with 30-pin or Lightning. So "standards" aren't applicable to iPhones.Almost no one? Nearly all 2016 Android flagships have and are coming with USB C now. The MacBook and Chromebook Pixel also have it for charging, along with some newer tablets. Most higher end desktop motherboards have USB C as well.
Just because USB C is new, doesn't mean it's "hardly a standard", it is a standard, and is rapidly becoming more common.
Wouldn't it be nice if headphone manufactures made headphones that worked on iOS devices, Androids, and laptops? Having a Lightning connector means if you ever want to use those headphone on a laptop or Android phone, it would either not work or you'd need another adapter.