I've said it before - if they eliminate the headphone socket, then I will be buying the next Moto X Force (or some other Android unit with a headphone socket).
For my use, the headphone socket is essential.
So you will accept something less than a flagship phone in the event the Android flagships likely also drop the headphone jack?
Eliminate the headphone jack and then how does Apple expect to listen in the car? Not everyone has CarPlay or Bluetooth or up to date Bluetooth like my car.
Better idea remove volume buttons no need when you can just use the screen to adjust the volume and move headphone jack in its place now you have room for stereo speakers.
You buy an adapter for the car. Might cost as little as $10 from a third party. Or buy a $20 BT adapter. The car is the least problematic place to solve this problem.
I'm pretty sure Android phone manufacturers won't be dropping the 3.5mm until the see the potential backlash Apple will receive if they do end up eliminating it and the effects it might have on iPhone sales. Considering the fact that it would render millions of headphones and earbuds useless, it would also piss off people who use an aux cable in their cars.
By removing the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone, Apple will really be testing the loyalty and patience of many of its customers. Obviously the fanboys will blindly defend their decision and find ways to justify it, but Tim Cook's greed (removing the jack is most likely a money-based decision) and overall lack of vision will come back to bite Apple in the ass just like it did in the 90s.
"Pretty sure"?
I guarantee Apple is not removing the headphone jack arbitrarily. They are most likely doing it because they are pushing the boundaries of what features they can introduce into the new phones through miniaturization and battery improvements. If Apple is facing this, then you can bet the other flagship handset manufacturers are facing it as well. I would also bet Apple has research to back up user habits informing such a move. The backlash will likely be vocal, but from a minority of customers -- at least the customers who will be buying Apple's flagship phones.
And for those whom it would affect, the reasons you indicate are minor inconveniences ... it would not "render millions of headphones and earbuds useless", as a simple inexpensive inline dongle would accommodate any pre-existing headphone or Aux-jack, or just use the brand new Lightning earbuds Apple will likely include in the box. For the car, that's even easier. I bought a $20 BT adapter for my car a year ago, and it improved my whole experience, since I didn't have to mess around with wires overtime I got into and out of the car with my phone.
But your concern is one of the reasons I'm against adding stereo speakers, because then it means Apple is removing the headphone jack in the absence of any industry need to do so, which will most certainly backfire on them.
So If this happens, then yes, Android will follow shortly thereafter with Apple leading the way as usual. Or, I will be back here telling you were right, just as disappointed in Apple's move as you are now without giving them the benefit of the doubt.