An optical digital audio connector including a ferrule radially disposed over an optical fiber, an outer shell, having a first end and a second end, disposed over the ferrule, the outer shell having an extension extending from the first end of the outer shell, wherein the outer shell and extension have at least one axial slot, the at least one axial slot starting proximate the second end of the shell and axially extending through the outer shell and extension to facilitate radial movement of the outer shell and the extension, and a latching feature structurally integral with the extension, wherein the latching feature is a ramped surface forming a peak, the peak raised a distance from the outer surface, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.