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Next iPhones Ditch Wired Headphone Adapter? Truth

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Yes, Apple has removed the Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone jack adapter from iPhone packaging starting with the iPhone 16 series, and all new iPhones sold today do not include it. If you buy a new iPhone, you get only a USB-C charging cable; the adapter that lets you plug in wired headphones is a separate $9 purchase.

Background: How We Got Here

Apple removed the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 in 2016, replacing it with a Lightning port for audio. To ease the transition, they included a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in the box for free. That adapter stayed in the box for the iPhone 7 through the iPhone 14 series, even as Apple removed the wall charger and EarPods from packaging in 2020.

When Apple switched to USB-C with the iPhone 15 series in 2023, they continued to include a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter in the box. However, with the iPhone 16 series in 2024, Apple stopped including the adapter entirely. This means the only way to use traditional wired headphones with a new iPhone is to buy the adapter separately or use headphones that connect via USB-C or Lightning directly.

What Comes in the Box Now

For iPhone 16 and later models, the retail box contains:

  • The iPhone itself
  • A USB-C to USB-C charging cable (braided, 1 meter)
  • Documentation and a SIM ejector tool (in most regions)

Notably absent are the wall charger, EarPods, and the headphone adapter. Apple made this change to reduce packaging waste and carbon emissions, a goal they have publicly stated. The company has also moved to fully recyclable packaging materials, and removing accessories shrinks the box, allowing more units to fit on a shipping pallet.

How to Use Wired Headphones with a New iPhone

If you have wired headphones with a 3.5mm plug, you have three options:

  1. Buy the official Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter – This is a small dongle that plugs into your iPhone’s USB-C port and gives you a standard headphone jack. It costs about $9 from Apple.
  2. Use headphones with a USB-C connector – Many newer wired headphones, especially those made for Android phones, come with a USB-C plug. These work with iPhones, but note that some may have inline controls that are not fully compatible with iOS.
  3. Use Lightning headphones – If you have older EarPods with a Lightning connector, you can use them with a USB-C to Lightning adapter (also sold by Apple for about $35), but this is a clunky solution.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Misconception: The adapter is included with every iPhone. This is false for iPhone 16 and later. Many people assume the adapter is still in the box because it was for years, and they are disappointed when they open the packaging.

Problem: The adapter doesn’t work with some headphones. The Apple USB-C adapter uses a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that supports up to 24-bit/48kHz audio. It works with most headphones, but some high-impedance studio headphones may not get enough power to sound loud. Also, headphones with a built-in microphone may not work with the adapter for calls on some third-party apps.

Problem: You can’t charge and listen at the same time. The USB-C port is the only port on the iPhone, so if you’re using the adapter for headphones, you can’t charge. Apple sells a Belkin adapter with both USB-C and headphone jack, but it’s expensive and not made by Apple.

Alternatives to the Adapter

If you don’t want to carry a dongle, consider these options:

  • Wireless earbuds – Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro are the obvious choice, but there are many affordable Bluetooth earbuds from other brands that work fine with iPhone.
  • Wireless over-ear headphones – Brands like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser make excellent Bluetooth headphones with long battery life.
  • USB-C headphones – Some companies make wired headphones with a USB-C plug that work directly with iPhone without an adapter. These often have a built-in DAC, so they may offer better audio quality than the Apple dongle.

Cost and Value Considerations

The Apple USB-C adapter costs $9. That’s a small price, but it’s an extra purchase you might not have budgeted for. If you already have a 3.5mm headphone collection, the adapter is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re buying new headphones, it might be cheaper to buy USB-C headphones directly, as they often cost the same as their 3.5mm counterparts.

Third-party USB-C adapters are available for less than $5, but quality varies. Some cheap adapters may not support microphone input or may have a weak DAC, resulting in lower audio quality. It’s generally safe to stick with Apple’s official adapter for reliability.

Safety and Compatibility Notes

When using any USB-C adapter, ensure it is MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) if you want guaranteed compatibility. Non-certified adapters may work, but they can sometimes cause audio glitches or not work at all after iOS updates.

Also, be aware that the iPhone’s USB-C port does not support analog audio output. Unlike some Android phones, the iPhone does not have a built-in DAC that can output analog audio over USB-C. This means you must use a digital adapter (with a DAC) or USB-C headphones with a built-in DAC. A passive USB-C to 3.5mm cable that simply wires the pins will not work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 16 come with a headphone adapter?
No. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max do not include a headphone adapter in the box. You need to buy one separately.

Can I use my old Apple EarPods with a 3.5mm plug on a new iPhone?
Yes, but only if you buy the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. The EarPods themselves will work, but the microphone and volume controls may not work with the adapter on all apps.

Will the adapter work with all iPhone models?
The USB-C adapter works with any iPhone that has a USB-C port, which includes the iPhone 15 and later. It will not work with older iPhones that have a Lightning port.

Is there a way to charge and listen to music at the same time?
Yes, but you need a splitter adapter that has both a USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm jack. Apple does not sell one, but third-party options exist. Note that these splitters may not support fast charging.

Are there wireless headphones that work with iPhone without an adapter?
Yes, any Bluetooth headphones work with iPhone. Apple’s AirPods integrate seamlessly, but any Bluetooth headphone will connect via the Settings app.

Why did Apple remove the adapter?
Apple states it’s part of their environmental goals to reduce packaging waste and carbon emissions. Removing the adapter also saves costs, but the company emphasizes the environmental benefit.

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