iPhone SE v2 stopped working with wired earphones

iPhone SE v2 stopped working with wired earphones: IOS 17.3.1

Wired earphones stopped working after a recent IOS update. I have earphones w a lightening connector and earphones with a 3.5 connector w a lightening adapter.

After the recent update, when I plug in the earphones, the phone wants to load Beats. Not sure why, as I'm not using wireless earbuds. And, btw, there is no Beats app on my phone, but it wants to load if BT is on and I plug in wired earphones.

If I don't load Beats, then the earphones do not work. If I load Beats, they do work mostly but often turn off and I have to disconnect/reconnect the earphones. It appears Beats needs some sort of cellular/Internet connection to work properly as Beats disconnects under heavy tree cover, etc.

If I turn off Bluetooth, which I'd like to do, then Beats will not load and the earphones do not work. They only work with Bluetooth and Beats. Why Beats, what does it add to the functionality?

Is this just Apple trying to force everyone to buy their earbuds, which won't work for me as no Apple product has ever stayed in my ears properly.