September 22nd, 2016, Paul Hiebert
New data also shows that concerns over battery life far outweigh demands for better cameras or shatterproof screens
By now it's old news that after announcing that the iPhone 7 wouldn't include a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, Apple's reputation took a hit. Late-night talk show hosts to people across Twitter derided the brand's decision to replace the universal smartphone feature with wireless earbuds called AirPods, which cost consumers an additional $159.
A new survey from YouGov confirms the negative response: 73% of adult smartphone users say they're not interested in purchasing a phone that doesn't come equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
What smartphone users do want, on the other hand, is a device that doesn't require constant recharging. When asked to name the single feature that most appeals to them, 46% of users said longer battery life.
In a distant second place, with 21% of the vote, came shatterproof screens, followed by resistance to water (15%) and a quality camera (12%).
A closer look at the demographics reveals that women are slightly more in favor of possessing a quality camera than men, and peope aged 55+ are a bit more keen on hands-free technology than their younger peers. Millennials aged 18-34, who tend to hold their phone in their hand throughout the day more often than their elders, are the most likely age group to want water-resistant capabilities and a shatterproof screen.