Recommended Free Tools
Apple’s removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 was a real inconvenience for people who relied on wired headphones. It looks more understandable now as part of a shift Apple launched alongside the phone: the company bundled a compatibility adapter and introduced AirPods to make wireless listening an easier option. That context explains the decision; it does not make the change necessary or better for every listener.
What Apple changed with the iPhone 7
Apple announced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on September 7, 2016. They were the first iPhones Apple described as water- and dust-resistant, and the company removed the familiar 3.5 mm headphone socket. In the box, Apple included Lightning EarPods and a Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter, so owners could connect their existing wired headphones. At launch, Apple listed the adapter separately for $9 in the United States—a historical price, not a current one. Apple’s iPhone 7 announcement documents the configuration.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple announced AirPods the same day. Its pitch highlighted wireless listening, one-tap setup, automatic play and pause, and a charging case. Apple claimed the case provided more than 24 hours of total listening time; that was a company claim made at launch in 2016, not an independent test result. Apple’s AirPods announcement framed the earbuds as part of the move toward wireless audio.
Why did Apple get rid of the headphone jack?
Apple presented the iPhone 7 as a redesigned product with features including water resistance, and contemporary reporting covered the company’s stated rationale for removing the jack. Those statements tell us how Apple justified its choice, not that the 3.5 mm port alone prevented water resistance or that no alternative design was possible. The available evidence supports a product-direction explanation, not a claim of technical inevitability. Contemporary reporting by Ars Technica described Apple’s defense of the decision.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The launch also makes the strategic logic easier to see: Apple paired the change with a wireless alternative and promoted features intended to make using it simple. That is a reasonable interpretation of the product transition, but it does not show that jack removal caused AirPods to succeed, that customers needed AirPods, or that all users welcomed the change.
What made the change annoying in practice
Old headphones needed an extra step
Owners of 3.5 mm headphones had to use the included adapter, switch to Lightning headphones, or choose wireless headphones. The adapter solved basic compatibility, but it was another small item to keep track of and use whenever they wanted to connect standard wired headphones.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Wired listening competed with charging
With the adapter or Lightning headphones plugged in, the Lightning connector was occupied. Listening over a wired connection while charging therefore became awkward without an additional accessory. Contemporary coverage noted this practical trade-off. Ars Technica’s iPhone 7 review discussed the wired-audio compromise.
How to decide between wired and wireless listening
The better option depends on your phone, headphones, and habits—not on a universal sound-quality verdict. The sources here do not establish a controlled sound-quality comparison.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| What matters to you | Wired headphones | Wireless headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Your existing 3.5 mm headphones | On a Lightning iPhone, use a compatible Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter. | Use suitable wireless headphones; no 3.5 mm connection is needed. |
| Charging while listening | A Lightning adapter or Lightning headphones occupy the Lightning connector, making simultaneous wired listening and charging awkward without another accessory. | Listening does not occupy the phone’s Lightning connector. |
| Setup and connection | Requires a cable and, on a Lightning iPhone, an adapter for a 3.5 mm plug. | Apple promoted AirPods’ one-tap setup and automatic play and pause at launch. |
| Device connector | A Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter is for Lightning-equipped iPhones; it does not fit a USB-C iPhone without a different, appropriate adapter. | Check that the headphones are compatible with your iPhone and preferred connection method. |
If you still have a Lightning-equipped iPhone and wired 3.5 mm headphones, an appropriate Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter is the direct compatibility bridge. Check your phone’s connector before buying: that Lightning adapter is not for USB-C iPhones. Wireless earbuds are another option, but the historical launch pairing is not a reason you must choose Apple-branded earbuds.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the decision aged better, but not perfectly
In hindsight, the headphone-jack removal looks less like a change made in isolation and more like a push toward wireless listening that Apple tried to support from day one. Bundling the adapter softened the transition for existing headphone owners, while launching AirPods alongside the iPhone gave customers an immediate wireless alternative.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
That makes the choice easier to understand, not universally good. The adapter preserved a way to use older headphones, but did not restore the convenience of a built-in jack—especially for someone who wanted to listen and charge at once. Apple’s 2016 launch language called AirPods a “breakthrough wireless audio experience”; that was promotional positioning, not independent proof that wireless worked better for every person. The lasting lesson is that a product transition can be coherent while still imposing costs on users who preferred the old connection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
