EarPods with jack, Lightning and USB-C: Which connection for which iPhone?

The Apple EarPods headphones, the wired predecessors of the AirPods, are now offered in three different models. There are the oldest EarPods with a 3,5 mm headphone jack, those with a Lightning connector and the newest ones with a USB-C port. But which ones are suitable for which iPhone? And how can you use older EarPods on newer iPhones? Below you will find the entire overview as well as the suitable adapters. And if you're in a hurry, go this way: All EarPods models on one product page.

The Apple EarPods can now be bought with a 3,5 mm jack, Lightning and USB-C plug. But which connection fits which iPhone model? Here's the guide for buying headphones. Image source: Apple.com
The Apple EarPods can now be bought with a 3,5 mm jack, Lightning and USB-C plug. But which connection fits which iPhone model? Here's the guide for buying headphones. Image source: Apple.com

Apple EarPods with 3,5 mm jack (headphone jack)

From the very first iPhone from 2007 to the iPhone 6s from 2015, you can use a 3,5 mm jack on Apple smartphones to connect headphones and a microphone. The EarPods with a headphone jack are suitable here. The advantage of this model is that you can also use it on other devices (iPod, MP3 player, Mac, PC, Nintendo Switch, etc.). You get the Apple EarPods with a 3,5 mm headphone jack at Amazon for 16,49 euros.

2,10 EUR
Apple EarPods with 3,5mm headphone jack
  • Unlike conventional round in-ear headphones, the EarPods are adapted to the geometry of the ear. That makes...
  • The speakers in the EarPods were developed for maximum sound output and minimize sound loss. This means,...
  • The EarPods also have an integrated remote control with which you can adjust the volume, play back ...

Use EarPods with a headphone jack via an adapter

If you use an iPhone without a headphone jack, then in addition to the EarPods with Lightning or USB-C (see below), you can also use an adapter for the headphones with a jack connection. From the iPhone 7 from 2016 to the iPhone 14 from 2022, a Lightning to headphone adapter is used. You can find this here. If you use the iPhone 15 or its Pro version instead, you will need a USB-C to headphone jack adapter. This link will take you to him.

2,00 EUR
Apple Lightning on 3,5-mm headphone jack adapter
  • The adapter allows you to connect Lightning devices with accessories that have an 3,5 mm audio plug
  • Compatible with all devices with a Lightning connector that support iOS 10 or, including iPod touch, iPad ...
  • Made by Apple
1,81 EUR
Apple USB ‑ C to 3,5 mm headphone jack adapter
  • With the USB-C to 3,5mm headphone jack adapter you can connect devices that have a standard 3,5mm audio jack...
  • Compatibility iPad: 12,9" iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generations), 11" iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations), iPad...
  • Compatibility MacBook Air: MacBook Air (M2, 2022), MacBook Air (M1, 2020), MacBook Air (Retina, 13", 2020), MacBook...

Apple EarPods with Lightning connector

Since the iPhone 7, which came onto the market in 2016, there is no longer a headphone jack on Apple smartphones. Here you need the adapter shown above for the corresponding wired headphones with a standard connection. Or you can use the Apple EarPods with a Lightning connector until the iPhone 14, which came out in 2022. This model is currently being offered on Amazon for 16,99 euros. You can find the offer here.

2,01 EUR
Apple EarPods with Lightning connector
  • Unlike conventional round in-ear headphones, the EarPods are adapted to the geometry of the ear. That makes...
  • The speakers in the EarPods were developed for maximum sound output and minimize sound loss. This means,...
  • The EarPods with Lightning connection also have an integrated remote control with which you can adjust the volume,...

Apple EarPods with USB-C port

From the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which were presented in September 2023, the Apple EarPods with a USB-C plug are available. From the 15 series onwards, the Apple iPhone has neither a headphone nor a Lightning port. The only physical interface for the accessory port is USB-C. If you still want to use headphones with a jack, connect them with the adapter shown above. Otherwise, you can find the new Apple earplugs here.

1,10 EUR
Apple EarPods (USB-C) ​​​​​​​
32.270 reviews
Apple EarPods (USB-C) ​​​​​​​
  • The speakers in the EarPods are designed to maximize sound output - so you get...
  • The EarPods (USB-C) also have an integrated remote control that you can use to adjust the volume, control playback...
  • Developed by Apple
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The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de

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