5 lost smartphone features that need to make a comeback in 2026

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Smartphones have undoubtedly improved over the last decade, with more powerful chipsets, robust software support, and better battery life. However, just because the trend moved in the right direction doesn’t mean some valuable features weren’t left behind. More than just nostalgia, legacy features we’ve lost made past smartphones more versatile than their modern equivalents.

It may be easy to dismiss many of the items I’m going to list, but 2026 has been a different year. We’ve seen numerous phones with physical keyboards, and the Pebble Time 2 proves purpose-built tech still has a place, and that not every device has to be for everyone.

Here are five features we’ve lost on smartphones that absolutely need to make a comeback.

I understand that all devices (and even vehicles) come with Bluetooth functionality in 2026. However, that doesn’t completely eliminate the need for a 3.5mm headphone jack on a phone. Legacy stereo systems and older cars still use AUX ports, and I love having the option to plug in physically without issues. Headphone jacks also allow companies to include high-quality DACs. I still enjoy listening to music on my LG V20 with its Quad DAC. It’s a fantastic listening experience, and we’ve lost that on modern phones.

Analog audio isn’t the only reason headphone jacks are useful in 2026. Not everyone wants to carry around wireless headphones or earbuds. They can be a constant pain. I need to keep track of what is charged up enough to take with me, and then there is always the threat of losing them. Yes, wired headphones can also be annoying, getting caught or tangled, but I’ll take the compromise, especially if it means I get a low-latency, high-quality listening experience. I get that USB-C dongles are a solution, but no one wants to deal with that constantly.

I hated when smartphones started getting taller. I loved phones like the LG V20 and Nexus 6 for their wider 16:9 aspect ratios. The displays were excellent for watching video and social media, and games looked great. It’s the more natural aspect ratio for the content we watch. Taller aspect ratios are ideal for some users, but I’d appreciate seeing a little more variety in the marketplace.

The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is turning people back on to the idea of wider displays, and I think you’ll see more manufacturers take note. I doubt every device will return to 16:9 anytime soon, but I expect wider-aspect-ratio phones to start popping up in companies’ lineups. Being able to view an entire document or email without scrolling side to side is an amazing experience, and more users will want to try it.