According to the petition, it seems that environmental concerns are the reason why they want Apple to maintain the current standard. The petition reads, “Not only will this force iPhone users to dole out additional cash to replace their hi-fi headphones, it will singlehandedly create mountains of electronic waste — that likely won’t get recycled. According to the United Nations, up to 90% of the world’s electronic waste is illegally traded or dumped each year.”
They also cite a similar issue when Apple swapped to Lightning several years ago, leaving many devices obsolete and with many users have multiple cables lying around collecting dust. Of course Apple hasn’t really one to give in to pressure from the public, at least not as far as the design and features of their products are concerned, so we’re not sure if this will change anything.
In the meantime at least one headphone company isn’t too fazed by the rumored change. However if you’d like to lend your support all the same, then head on over to Sum of Us to sign the petition.