[explodingwaffle]

Yes: because Apple actually got this added to the spec: https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-cable-and-c... which is the real story IMO (I am impressed no one bothered looking at the Type-C spec update after the Type-C iPhone finally came out)

This actually replaced the analog audio mode (good riddance- whoever thought adding analog audio into a port that also does digital audio was a good idea?)

[tgv]

Me with an analog headphone?

[crote]

The problem is that it's a rather confusing Alt Mode.

Basically, it's only supposed to be used for USB-C-to-3.5mm adapters, and it was only implemented by some smartphones. It's not a reliable way to get audio out of a USB-C port, and because it's using the internal DAC the audio quality isn't going to be good anyways.

The proper solution is to use a USB DAC. This provides the same user experience but it actually works with all USB-C devices. Considering the official Apple USB DAC is available for $9, the Audio Alt Mode really doesn't have a reason to exist.

[Nextgrid]

Why is it confusing or bad? Sure, it sacrifices a data line pair, but the same can be said of DisplayPort Alt Mode - if you want 4K@60Hz on DP 1.2 you need to sacrifice USB3.0.

The ability to make this tradeoff should be up to the user.

[smaudet]

For an iPhone...

Unless I'm misunderstanding the mode, there could be uses to get audio out of a USB port that don't involve phones...

[tgv]

Thanks. I didn’t know that that connector actually contained a DAC.