The iPhone 14 comes with a few upgrades over the iPhone 13 – but is a 3.5mm headphone jack among them? The 3.5mm audio jack used to be a standard feature on all smartphones, ranging from flagship to entry-level models. However, as wireless earphones took over the market, smartphone manufacturers began removing the port used for plugging in wired earphones and headphones. In 2023, it’s rare to find a smartphone with a headphone jack.
Apple first got rid of the headphone jack in 2016, when it released the iPhone 7. Since then, every iPhone has shipped without a headphone jack, including the iPhone 8, the iPhone X, and newer models. The 2022 iPhone 14 is no different – it doesn’t come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which isn’t surprising. This is true for all models in the iPhone 14 lineup, including the vanilla iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Although the iPhone 14 ships with several hardware and software improvements, those who prefer using wired headphones will have to use some workarounds.
Listening Options On The iPhone 14
While a headphone jack is the most convenient way to access audio, there are other options. Users who want to plug their wired headphones into the iPhone 14 can pick up Apple‘s Lightning to 3.5mm adapter for $9. These inexpensive adapters have a Lightning port on one end and a 3.5mm jack on the other, and can be used to connect 3.5mm wired headphones to the iPhone. Although the tiny adapter can be difficult to keep track of, users can leave them plugged into their wired earphones for ease of use.
For users who don’t want to get an adapter, buying a pair of Lightning headphones is another solution. The EarPods with Lightning Connector are available on Apple‘s website for $19. Unfortunately, the usage of Lightning EarPods will be restricted to the iPhone 14, so it isn’t he best investment. Those who don’t want to bother with an adapter or Lightning EarPods can always pick up wireless earphones that connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth. Apple has several AirPods models to choose from, including the AirPods (2nd generation), AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (2nd generation), and AirPods Max.
In recent years, several manufacturers have developed affordable wireless earphones that produce decent audio and offer multi-day battery life. These earbuds also have features like active noise cancelation and multiple sound profiles. Those on a budget can consider other AirPods alternatives, such as the Beats Studio Buds, Nothing Ear (2), and more. So while the iPhone 14 doesn’t feature a headphone jack, there are still plenty of other ways to listen to audio on the smartphone.
Will Future iPhones Have A Headphone Jack?
Apple is finally ditching the Lightning port and switching to USB-C with the iPhone 15, but unfortunately, there are no plans to bring back the headphone jack. Instead, future iPhones will transmit wired audio over USB-C. The good news is that most Android phones now rely on USB-C for wired audio, as a result of which there are a fair number of USB-C headphones available to buy on sites like Amazon.
This means that iPhone 15 buyers will have plenty of wired headphones to choose from, including Apple’s upcoming EarPods with USB-C. Users will also have the option to use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to connect their wired headphones. Like with the iPhone 14 though, wireless earbuds will remain the best option to listen to audio on future iPhones.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max ticks all the right boxes with its beautiful display, excellent performance, fantastic cameras, impressive battery life, and flagship essentials like wireless charging and dust and water resistance. All that power, specifications, and features admittedly come at a price. But if budget isn’t a concern, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a no-brainer, especially if you’re already a part of the Apple ecosystem.
- Brand
- Apple
- SoC
- Apple A16 Bionic
- Display
- 6.7-inch (2796 x 1290)
- RAM
- 6GB
- Storage
- 128/256/512GB
- Battery
- 4,323mAh
- Operating System
- iOS 16
- Front camera
- 12MP
- Rear cameras
- 48MP + 12MP (ultrawide) + 12MP (telephoto)
- Dimensions
- 6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31in, 8.47oz
- Colors
- Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple
- IP Rating
- IP68
