[z0d]

Apple did it for sole reason being 100% business decision.

1) Sell more MFi licensing since they will earn more per end product made for iPhones. Whereas with the 3.5mm they won't get any source of sustained income.

2) Sell more of their Music equipment after they bought beats. AirPods and Beats wireless with W1.

3) For users wishing to keep using their existing headsets, theirs potential revenues on replacement dongles.

4) The iOS lock that Apple has is a death grip, Many people will adopt to the technology whatever Apple does, be it either the simplicity of the OS or the Apple ecosystem populace which will help them make the Analog open standard close and earn through more and more of their proprietary interfaces. A DRM control mechanism making the product more steered towards Apple in holding control over the end user.

This is a move by apple to drive these other areas of business and improve revenues outside of the iPhone category.

Does removing the headphone jack give them 100% control? No. But it helps push enough people to spend money on things that Apple will directly benefit from additional revenues.