[digi_owl]

I guess Apple's approach makes sense if one expect someone to want to listen to music while also using the mic to talk to someone. Otherwise the advent of a conversation will preclude the use of the music, and thus any need to use the controls.

[coldtea]

When we talk in real life, or on the phone, we don't have to stop listening to the others when we speak. So this isn't about just music, but also voip, conferences (Facetime, Skype, etc).

[Nemo157]

I very often need to change the volume while speaking to someone, I'm not certain but I think the play/pause button acts as a mute button while in a conversation as well.

[yoz-y]

Although this far predates Siri and dictation and such, there is are now valid reasons when you want to use the mic and listen to music at the same time.