Apple has packed the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and the iPhone 8 Plus with top-notch internals and cutting-edge technology. Despite that though, the new iPhones lack one key hardware feature: an IR blaster.

While Apple has never included an IR blaster on an iPhone, it does not mean the feature is not useful. For most consumers, the lack of an IR blaster on the iPhone might not be a big deal but that’s because they have never really had one. Once you start controlling almost every possible electronic device around you using your smartphone, you’d realize just how handy an IR blaster on a phone is.

Admittedly, IR blaster on smartphones is more popular in Asian markets, though that does not mean Apple should not include one on the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. After all, the company will be selling its new iPhones across the world to a wide range of consumers. In the US, consumers primarily control their TVs, AC etc. using voice assistant or an app from their device. However, older models don’t support the necessary technology and it is not always possible for one to upgrade to the latest and greatest models of electronic devices in their home so as to control them from their iPhone.

One can hope that eventually, Apple realizes just how useful IR blaster on smartphones is and ends up including one on the iPhone.