What Was the Last iPhone to Have a Headphone Jack?

Apple has revolutionized the way we listen to music. While things aren’t particularly easy right now, the company started off the music revolution with iTunes and subsequently, the iPod. Today, every iPhone comes with the same promise of the best music performance and a wide array of on-device tools that allow you to tweak your music performance accordingly.

However, the company no longer sells iPhones with a headphone jack, which immediately makes these phones incompatible with wired headphones. While the obvious solution is to get the company’s expensive AirPods or any other Bluetooth headset, it doesn’t make sense for everyone.

So if you were wondering if there are still iPhones in the market that have a headphone jack, well, now you have the answer.

What Was the Last iPhone to Have a Headphone Jack?

iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus

It’s worth pointing out right now that the iPhone SE (March 2016) is technically the last iPhone to have a headphone jack. However, the iPhone 6s and the 6s Plus (September 2015) were the previous flagships from the company to pack this feature. So with that out of the way, let’s understand why the company had to do this and how it tried to ease the transition.

When Apple announced the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, there was quickly a lot of concern among fans and prospective buyers about the lack of a headphone jack. But as it turned out, Apple was kind enough to offer a headphone connector to users of the new flagships, a tradition that went on till the iPhone 8 in 2017 but was not repeated with the iPhone XS and the XS Max last year. This is a clear sign that Apple is now ready to finally move away from wired headphones and transition into the world of wireless headphones.

However, this isn’t particularly convenient for everyone. One workaround for those using an iPhone with no headphone jack is to get the company’s official Lightning to 3.5mm adapter. This adapter is currently relatively inexpensive, considering what users pay for the new iPhone upfront.

Apple officially killed off iPhones with headphone jacks in 2018

This news shocked quite a few users, including me. Despite selling at third-party retail outlets pretty decently, Apple decided to pull the plug on sales of the iPhone 6s/6s Plus as well as the iPhone SE, which effectively meant that customers would no longer be able to buy iPhones with an embedded headphone jack. Fortunately, Apple continues to sell the Lighting to 3.5mm headphone connector, so the company shouldn’t run out of its stocks anytime soon.

Can you still buy the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus?

Thankfully, yes, you can. You probably won’t be able to get it if you walked into an Apple Store or a retailer’s outlet, there’s every reason you can find it online. Retailers like Amazon are currently offering multiple models of the iPhone 6s and the 6s Plus in a variety of colors. However, there’s no telling how long the stocks may last, so we strongly recommend interested customers to check it out right away.

What if you can’t find the iPhone 6s or the 6s Plus?

Well, if you desperately need an iPhone with a headphone jack but cannot find the iPhone 6s or 6s Plus in stock, it may be worth looking for the iPhone SE. For all purposes, the iPhone SE is just an upgraded version of the iPhone 5s. Although it’s not packing the best hardware in the world, it should certainly get the job done. As it stands, the iPhone SE is not notably weaker than the iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, although its display size remains one of the biggest concerns for prospective buyers.

Apple continues to sell the iPhone 7, the iPhone 8, and the iPhone 8 Plus, which may be your next best hope if you’re looking for new hardware without sacrificing on the headphone jack. As I understand, Apple continues to sell the headphone connector with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 models. However, you may need to check with the seller you’re getting.

Customers can also try saving money by getting renewed models of the flagships mentioned above. These iPhones are restored to their original working condition, and barring a few (if any) signs of use, the phone will be brand new, at least in terms of internal hardware and software.

Does iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 Have Headphone Jack?

The iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 both do not have a headphone jack. They rely on wireless audio and include Lightning EarPods in the box, but you’ll need to purchase a separate 3.5mm to Lightning adapter for older headphones.

Historical Overview of the Headphone Jack

The 3.5mm headphone jack has a storied history, tracing its roots back to the 19th-century switchboard operators. This ubiquitous port, a hallmark of audio devices for over a century, found a home in many Apple products. For Apple aficionados and general consumers alike, it’s essential to note the progression of Apple devices and, notably, the last iPhone to have a headphone jack.

Evolution of Apple’s Decision

Since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, the headphone jack had been a consistent feature. However, with the launch of the iPhone 7 in 2016, Apple made the bold decision to remove this long-standing component. This move wasn’t just about innovation but setting a trend for the future of mobile devices. The last iPhone to have a headphone jack was the iPhone 6s, and the devices that followed signaled a paradigm shift in Apple’s design philosophy.

Industry Reaction and Adaptation

Apple’s decision to ditch the headphone jack was met with a chorus of initial criticism. Competitors like Samsung and Google were quick to mock Apple’s design choice. However, in an ironic twist of tech evolution, many of these critics soon followed suit. Apple’s audacious move wasn’t just a fleeting design whim but rather a forecast of the industry’s future. The removal of the headphone jack by other major tech giants post-Apple’s decision underscores the company’s influence in setting industry standards.

Technical Implications and Advancements

Apple’s move wasn’t solely based on aesthetics or trendsetting. The removal of the headphone jack had technical implications. The Lightning port, Apple argued, was a superior standard for audio. Furthermore, the space previously occupied by the headphone jack could be repurposed for improved components or a larger battery, enhancing device performance. It became evident that the benefits of removing the jack extended beyond mere design.

The Wireless Revolution

The headphone jack’s removal ushered in a new era of audio: the wireless revolution. Apple’s AirPods, introduced shortly after the iPhone 7’s launch, became emblematic of this shift. This move wasn’t just about eliminating wires but redefining how users interacted with audio. The rise of AirPods and their subsequent popularity highlighted consumers’ readiness to embrace this wireless future.

Alternatives and Solutions

For those lamenting the loss of the headphone jack, Apple provided alternatives. Each iPhone 7 came equipped with a dongle adapter, allowing users to connect traditional wired headphones. Although this was a temporary solution (with Apple eventually discontinuing the included adapter), it signified Apple’s acknowledgment of the transitional phase many users were experiencing.

Consumer Perspective

The initial outcry from consumers was loud and clear. Many were skeptical of the change, seeing it as a potential inconvenience. However, as wireless audio devices became more prevalent and affordable, and as Apple’s competitors began to adopt similar design choices, the broader consumer base started to warm up to the idea. The market’s adaptability to this change underscores the tech world’s ever-evolving nature.

Future Predictions

While the last iPhone to have a headphone jack remains a nostalgic piece for many, the industry is looking ahead. With the advancements in wireless technology and the universal acceptance of Bluetooth audio devices, it’s unlikely we’ll see a resurgence of the headphone jack in premium smartphones. Apple’s vision seems to have set the tone for the future, emphasizing innovation over nostalgia.