[tribby]

if 90% of consumers are incapable of telling the difference then why would apple use such an expensive DAC in their phone? I can't speak for everyone, but it's a pretty noticeable difference to me especially considering my hearing isn't very good to begin with.

[neotek]

Because (a) Apple doesn't like to half-arse things, and (b) Apple knows its consumer base includes people who like to use very expensive headphones.