On android at least, it's entirely possible to have weird, niche, hardware options. Why do no android phones have IR blasters anymore? Or FM Radio support? Why has the headphone jack almost entirely disappeared? (as far as I can tell, Sony is the only manufacturer with phones that will work on American networks). These are options that the mainstream consumer has decided they don't want, but I don't buy that there aren't niche markets for them (I know I'm not a typical consumer, but I can't be that far out on the tail, and I want all of those things)
Yes, weird, niche, OSs are much harder because of network effects, but weird, niche, hardware should be getting more diverse, not less so.
> Why do no android phones have IR blasters anymore?
Both Xiaomi and OnePlus have it on their phones. Personally I never used mine and didn't see the point. It was quicker and more effortless to just click the button on the physical remote next to me than having to navigate through the apps on my phone.
> Or FM Radio support?
You can listen to almost any radio station online nowadays and plenty of countries (EU) have roaming agreements so the benefit of having FM radio must be extremely niche. I know you mentioned it being niche, but I'm talking niche niche.
I assume you have some kind of use case that goes beyond regular consumers.
well, more compellingly, why can't I get a phone with a physical notification light any more?! amazingly useful feature on my galaxy nexus from back in like 2012, but I've never been able to find another phone with it. not to mention a 5.5" phone with a flagship chip in it. I'll even forgo the camera quality.
I'm not very knowledgeable about current models but isn't that the whole USP for Nothing Phone? There are multiple lights so you can customize unique patterns for both contacts and apps.
> These are options that the mainstream consumer has decided they don't want...
I don't even think it's that. I think companies are so blinded by copying Apple that they have lost sight of the fact that they can have a competitive edge if they don't. Like, if people wanted what Apple was offering they would just buy Apple in the first place! And companies used to try to differentiate themselves (I remember marketing specifically making fun of the lack of headphone jacks on the iPhone), but they seem to have just given up.
Yes, weird, niche, OSs are much harder because of network effects, but weird, niche, hardware should be getting more diverse, not less so.