OnePlus is set to follow in the footsteps of Apple after it unveiled that it will eliminate the traditional 3.5 mm jack on their next device.
Cofounder Carl Pei did not mention what device it would be, but rumors across the industry says that it would be the OnePlus 6T. Prior to Pei's announcement, Apple earlier revealed that it will get rid of 3.5 mm headphone jacks in iPhones after abandoning the 6s and SE models from its lineup.
Just last year, Google Pixel removed the port for its second incarnation. With OnePlus exterminating headphone jacks, LG and Samsung remain the last two global manufacturers that make use of headphone jacks in its flagship phones.
Pei Wants To Create Best Smartphone Experience
While the move comes as a shocker for most smartphone users, Pei revealed that OnePlus' decision to get rid of the headphone jack will also bring a plethora of benefits, which include an improved battery life. He added that the company's decision to wipe out the headphone jack stemmed from the popularity of Bullets Wireless headphones.
The Bullets Wireless headphones made its debut earlier this year along with the OnePlus 6. Pei noted that the company found out that about 59 percent of the community already owned wireless headphones prior to the release of its Bullets Wireless earphones.
"It [removing the headphone jack] was a very controversial decision. We're not doing it for the sake of doing it and because everyone else is. We believe now is the right time, as it'll benefit the majority of our users while keeping the downside low," Pei said.
Pei did not divulge as to how the battery life will be improved, but rumors swirling around the industry say that a larger power pack will be squeezed inside the device. Apart from an enhanced battery life, the OnePlus 6T will also come with an in-display fingerprint scanner. Meanwhile, it is still unclear as to whether OnePlus will pack any headphones on the OnePlus 6T box, but TechRadar noted that the company has never included headphones in the box, and users should not expect for things to change.
The OnePlus 6T is set to be released at the end of the year together with its Bullets V2 earphones, which will come with a USB-C compatibility. The Bullets V2 earphones, which will also feature a lower noise floor, a higher dynamic range, and a superior signal-to-noise ratio, will be available for $19.95.
