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Apple's 2018 iPhones Are Rumored To Not Include Headphone Dongle In the Box (theverge.com)
Apple will reportedly ditch the 3.5mm to Lightning port headphone dongle with this year's iPhone models. Apple notoriously dropped the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016. It has included a headphone adapter with every iPhone since to help curb public unease. The Verge reports: The research note claims that Cirrus Logic, a supplier for the dongle has "confirmed" that it won't be included in the box alongside the new iPhones. Apple has been trying to transition away from wired headphones entirely with its AirPods and lineup of wireless Beats headphones, so the move isn't entirely surprising. The dongle was always meant as a stopgap while customers adjusted to the new, headphone jack-less reality that Apple imposed on the world. Apple will almost certainly continue to sell the dongle -- which costs $9 -- separately for users who still want it. But if the report is true (which, again, remains to be seen), it's hard to imagine that customers will take the news well. The Barclays research note was first spotted by Mac Rumors.
Step 1: find a phone compatible with LineageOS.
Step 2: buy it and install LineageOS/MicroG.
Now Google doesn't vacuum anything.
Also: you can perfectly use your Android phone without any modification/alteration and have none of your data shared with Google (except APKs which Google will regularly scan for malware): do not login, disable Google backup, do not use built-in Google applications like Google Play, Google Chrome, Google Music, etc. Even if you use these apps and features, Google will not identify you since you're not logged in.
I've had my iPhone X almost year now and I've not used the dongle yet.
I do own the Air Pods which are excellent for all my music and phone call needs.
I will use the dongle next month though when I fly home to the UK from NZ.
My trusty Etymotic (.com) in ear plugs need a jack.
I've been using them 20 years and they are superb. I keep the dongle in the Etymotic's pouch.
As long as there's the option of a dongle I'm happy.
I wouldn't be worried. First, they are receivers, not transmitters. Second, they have to communicate all of 3 feet. That's quite a difference from a cell phone that has to transmit to a cell tower miles away.