But this observation itself is classically silicon valley centered. Real, very normal very non-neckbeard people are upset about the loss of the headphone jack.

You also conveniently forget to point out that these airpods are additional $160, a very privileged silicon valley thing to do.

In addition, no matter which ear solution you have, neither one will work when you travel (think entertainment systems). Not earth shattering I suppose but it’s likely to at last irk a large group of iPhone likely folks.

You’re taking the LONG view, falling in love with the sex and the potential vision and haven’t done the actual ‘user testing’ that could doom this approach.

I also want to make it very clear that I do actually agree with you on the majority of your post: the airpods look amazing, will encourage new use cases and are a great long term strategy for Apple. But here is my key point: Removing the headphone jack was not required.

Removing the headphone jack did one very important thing that you are not accounting for: you are forcing everyone who doesn’t get the magic airpods to be locked into a very strange and backward world. That is rage inducing.