I would argue that the 3.5mm jack is a convenience rather than an audiophile feature. Some definitely would prefer to use a wired connection without an adapter,

I would argue that the 3.5mm jack is a convenience rather than an audiophile feature. Some definitely would prefer to use a wired connection without an adapter, which I can understand. In terms of audiophile quality, if one is happy listening to a digital music source (and there's plenty of debate on that), the ability to use the DAC of your choice rather than whatever is supplied by Apple in phone is a feature. That's a motivating factor in purchasing component systems rather than all-in-one devices. The story around current DAC's isn't good and certainly can (and hopefully will!) be improved. So, yes, the audiophile experience with an iPhone isn't great, but I'd argue that's a function of the current DAC situation (as my sibling comment points out), not the removal of the 3.5mm jack.