RE:Blackberry was once this arrogant I want choice. Could be that Apple is actually going to provide and option. The option is.....
Higher Quality Sound, better performance by using the digital output of the device into the Beats headset which then employ a DAC ( digital audio converter ) if this is the case, brilliant. Check out Astell & Kern for handheld audio performance, but they do use a dual mono digital audio signal with chip sets into an analog output, nothing exotic for connection purposes.
On the other hand if it is Apple's idea to handcuff the listener into using their hardware or paying a royalty, that could be the game changer for them. Like their cable change with the IPhone 5 that was arrogance to assume that all would follow and obsolete a connection with no added benefit introduced.
Yeah, I agree Apple is likely marginalizing their followers and Beats kids will fall off the apple cart.