The 3.5mm jack is typically the only remaining unmediated "analog gap" on a phone. Since there's no way of doing authentication signaling on it in a way that c

The 3.5mm jack is typically the only remaining unmediated "analog gap" on a phone. Since there's no way of doing authentication signaling on it in a way that can be enforced without mutual cooperation, there's no way to limit access and/or monetize the audio experience any further than it is right now. USB-C removes those obstacles. This only lives in the land of potentiality right now, but the path is pretty clear. Once you have accessories that can mutually authenticate, you can limit access in exchange for money. This is technically a "slippery slope" argument, but I think capitalism gives us ample evidence to show that it's neither an illogical nor improbable step.