Several major brands, including Apple, left wired headphone jacks back in 2016.
Nearly 10 years later, we’re back where we started.
Wired headphone sales have spiked recently.
The products have seen sales drop across the board for five consecutive years, but they shot back up in the second half of 2025.
Just looking at the first six weeks of 2026, sales are up 20%.
Experts are attributing the revival of wired headphones to ease of use.
They say Bluetooth headphones often get lost or die when you need them. The audio can also be interrupted if there is a bad connection.
Others say this shift is part of an anti-technology movement, stemming from the rise of artificial intelligence.
By Mary Munywoki
