OnePlus 6T has abandoned the headphone port. Here's why

"We believe now is the right time," says co-founder

OnePlus 6T video

Just hours after we learned that Apple has killed off the headphone jack by discontinuing its older 3.5mm-jack-toting iPhones, OnePlus has gone on record to state that there will be no headphone jack on its next handset, which is set to be the OnePlus 6T.

Speaking to TechRadar, OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei said that jacking in the jack is all about making the best smartphone experience, and that "making a great phone doesn't mean putting every component available into the device."

He added: "You've got to make decisions that optimize the user experience, and understand that at times things that provide user value can also add friction."

Now is right time to make the move, said Pei, as 59% of the OnePlus community already own wireless headphones and that figure is increasing.

There's an upside to ditching the headphone port, apparently: it frees up space inside the phone that can be used for more tech, says Pie. He cites improved battery life as one thing that OnePlus customers have asked for, suggesting that the newly found space could enable the smartphone maker to squeeze in a bigger battery.

But what if you don't own any wireless headphones (these are the best, by the way) and don't want to buy any? "We're adding an adapter to the box, allowing you to use your 3.5mm headphones normally," says Pei. Phew.

Alternatively, you can buy the new USB-C OnePlus Type-C Bullets, which will be released at the same time as the OnePlus 6T later this year.

For a look at how the new handset could turn out, based on the latest leaks and rumours, check out the concept video below.

For the full interview, head over to TechRadar

Lead image credit: Concept Creator 

Paul Douglas
Global Digital Editorial Strategy Director, Future

Paul Douglas is Global Digital Editorial Strategy Director at Future and has worked in publishing for over 25 years. He worked in print for over 10 years on various computing titles including .net magazine and the Official Windows Magazine before moving to TechRadar.com in 2008, eventually becoming Global Editor-in-Chief for the brand, overseeing teams in the US, UK and Australia. Following that, Paul has been Global Editor-in-Chief of BikeRadar and T3 (not at the same time) and later Content Director working on T3, TechRadar and Tom's Guide. In 2021, Paul also worked on the launches of FitandWell.com and PetsRadar.