Compatibility of Apple wired headset models with iPhone, iPad, and iPod models

Summary

Features of Apple wired headsets can vary between iPhone, iPad, and iPod models. Most headsets can play back audio, but some headsets have features such as a mic or buttons to control iPod functions that work only on newer models.

Products Affected

iPad, iPad Accessories, iPhone, iPhone Accessories, iPod, iPod Accessories, iPod touch

Use these tables to determine compatibility of Apple wired headset models with iPhone, iPad, and iPod models. If you have a third-party headset, check with the vendor for compatibility information.

iPhone

Model Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic* Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic (2nd generation)
  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone
iPhone 3GS and later
iPhone 3G - -
Original iPhone - -

* Apple Earpods with Remote and Mic are included in the box with iPhone 5.

 

Model Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic
  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone
iPhone 3GS and later
iPhone 3G - -
Original iPhone - -

Note: Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic are included in the box with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, and iPod touch (3rd generation).

 

  Audio Audio Playback controls Microphone
iPhone 3GS and later
iPhone 3G
Original iPhone 3

Notes:

  1. Apple iPod Earphones are included in the box with all iPod models.
  2. Apple iPhone Stereo Headset is included in the box with iPhone and iPhone 3G.
  3. Some earlier iPod earphones may not connect properly to the original iPhone because the plug body is too large to fit in the jack inset. Third-party adapters may be available.

  

iPad

Model Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic* Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic (2nd generation)
  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone Audio Playback controls

Volume controls

Microphone
iPad

iPad (2nd generation)

iPad (3rd generation)

iPad (4th generation)

iPad mini

* Apple Earpods with Remote and Mic are included in the box with iPhone 5.

 

  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone Audio Playback controls

Volume controls

Microphone
iPad

iPad (2nd generation)

iPad (3rd generation)

iPad (4th generation)

iPad mini

Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic are included in the box with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, and iPod touch (3rd generation).

 

  Audio Audio Playback controls Microphone

iPad

iPad (2nd generation)

iPad (3rd generation)

iPad (4th generation)

iPad mini

Notes:

  1. Apple iPod Earphones are included in the box with all iPod models.
  2. Apple iPhone Stereo Headset is included in the box with iPhone and iPhone 3G.

 

iPod 

  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone
iPod touch (1st generation) - - -

iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th generations)2

iPod nano (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations) - - -
iPod nano (4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th generations)3
iPod shuffle (1st generation) - - - -
iPod shuffle (2nd and 3rd generations) - - -
iPod shuffle (4th generation)
iPod classic 160GB (Late 2009)
and iPod classic (120 GB)
All previous iPod models - - -

Notes:

  1. Apple Earpods with Remote and Mic are included in the box with iPhone 5.
  2. iPod touch (2nd generation) software version 2.2 or later required to use remote and mic features.
  3. iPod nano (4th generation) software version 1.0.3 or later required to use remote and mic features.

 

  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone
iPod touch (1st generation) - - -

iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations)1

iPod nano (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations) - - -
iPod nano (4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th generations)2
iPod shuffle (1st generation) - - - -
iPod shuffle (2nd and 3rd generations) - - -
iPod shuffle (4th generation)
iPod Classic 160GB (Late 2009)
and iPod Classic (120 GB)
All previous iPod models - - -

Notes:

  1. iPod touch (2nd generation) software version 2.2 or later required to use remote and mic features.
  2. iPod nano (4th generation) software version 1.0.3 or later required to use remote and mic features.

 

  Audio Playback controls Volume controls Microphone Playback controls Volume controls Microphone

iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations)2

iPod nano (4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th generations)3
iPod shuffle (3rd and 4th generations) - -
iPod classic 160GB (Late 2009)
and iPod classic (120 GB)4
All previous iPod models - - - - - -
iPod shuffle (1st generation) - - - - - - -

Notes:

  1. Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic are included in the box with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, and iPod touch (3rd generation).
  2. iPod touch (2nd generation) software version 2.2 or later required to use remote and mic features.
  3. iPod nano (4th generation) software version 1.0.3 or later required to use remote and mic features.
  4. iPod classic (120 GB) software version 2.0.1 or later required to use remote and mic features.

 

  Audio Audio Playback controls Microphone

iPod touch (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations)

iPod nano (4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th generations)
iPod shuffle (3rd and 4th generations) - -
iPod classic 160GB (Late 2009)
and iPod classic (120 GB)
All previous iPod models - -
iPod shuffle (1st generation) - - -

Notes:

  1. Apple iPod Earphones are included in the box with all iPod models.
  2. Apple iPhone Stereo Headset is included in box with iPhone and iPhone 3G.
Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked