I think there should always be physical off-switches for microphones: it should be possible to know that the thing is not listening. But smartphones also have other private information on them than what can be captured by its microphone.

I don't think the smartphone is inescapable at all, and I don't think any of the conveniences it offers is worth surrendering one's privacy. But there is a tendency in businesses to ignore the fact that some potential customers do not have smartphones. I wonder if legislation against this might be possible.

> I think there should always be physical off-switches for microphones

There is one smartphone with those: https://puri.sm/products/librem-5. The alternative one, Pinephone, has quite inconvenient kill switches.

How can you possibly not escape the use of a smartphone?

I recently had to file an insurance claim with my car insurer. The entire process happened through their app. They require you to send them pictures that you took using their app.

One of my banks has been closing branches left and right, and if I want to use my accounts for anything other than debit purchases, I need to use the app. Some banks even charge you when you go to a branch location in person and use a teller to access your accounts.

Some jobs require you to install and use apps on your phone. Last time I was a big box retailer, the floor staff had the company's app installed on their phones so they could do instant price look ups and confirm discounts on their store's inventory.

Even just applying for a job requires an internet browser, and many people's only access to the internet is through their phone.

Pretty much all those things you can do over old channels still. The app is optional. I can do everything my mobile banking website can do over the phone. The last time I filed a claim with my insurer, everything happened via back and forth emailing.

Plenty of jobs these days essentially require one, be it for communication, authentication, or what have you.

Preferably, don't take those jobs. Or, if you must, tape the cameras and remove the microphone. Use a wired headset for talking and unplug it when not in use. When not on the job, turn it off and wrap it in aluminium foil.