Despite the thousands of posts written here on this topic there still has not been a single reason given as to why removing this port is good for the end user. Not a single one.
Maybe none that affect you, but there have been several. However, here's one -- as Apple continues to add features customers want, compromises will have to be made. There's no way to keep stuffing things into the iPhone without eliminating something that's already there, compromising battery life, or making the iPhone much larger, which not everybody wants and wouldn't be competitive with other smartphone makers. All of that affects the customer.
Now Apple's solution may well be eliminating over 184 cubic mm of hardware that's otherwise duplicated via wireless connectivity, and via Lightning. So it's ultimately redundant, in that it can only really do one thing, yet takes up far more room than the other multi-function options, and the market trend seems to be toward wireless audio in any event. And you may not agree with that particular choice, over other things you'd rather they eliminate, or just skip whatever feature they hope to add. But considering Apple has the research data and you don't, I think I'll side with Apple.
And that's the only reason anyone needs, as it applies to everyone equally -- better product that allows them to stay competitive with other phone makers, without compromising size or quality.
I have no problems removing ports when the time is right and it makes sense. I have a retina Macbook and am perfectly happy with the single port there and the adapter I use as a single-connection docking station. Removing a port that has nothing wrong with it technically, is still used by nearly everyone on earth, and for which there are no good technical reasons for retiring, that I have a problem with. Why not just remove the phone from the iPhone since everyone just uses text and chat apps today? Got to save that space. Again, I'm fine with saving space so long as it doesn't interfere with one of the fundamental functions of the device. Again, waterproofing is not an issue. If that's a route Apple wants to go, 3.5mm jacks can be made waterproof.
And here's your selfish bias, laid bare: many people would prefer a second port in an ultra-portable notebook with Retina display -- but your attitude is 'screw us'. It doesn't affect you. So how very hypocritical of you. Never mind that nobody has any USB-C devices, and to use your hyperbole: nearly everyone on Earth still uses USB-A connectors and has numerous USB-A devices. But again, 'screw us' because it doesn't affect you. Remove the phone from the iPhone, because you don't personally use it? Yeah, doesn't surprise me that you'd take that position. And in the end for all your selfish ranting, removing the 3.5mm jack doesn't interfere with listening to audio. There are still two ways to get audio out of it, one of which is compatible with what is likely to be an inexpensive dapper which will be virtually integrated at the end of a customer's wired headphone cord.
