Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

how best to use lightening headphones with iPad's USB-C port?

Hi,


I have some lightening headphones that I would love to use with my iPad's USB-C port.

I found no adaptor to handle this, but perhaps I didnt search far and wide enough yet.


What is the best way to connect lightening headphones to a USB C port on an iPad?


If there is no way, does anyone know of USB-C based headphones (up to $200) that anyone could recommend?

iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 6:27 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 1, 2022 6:53 AM

You cannot use your Lightning headphones with a USB-C port. These interfaces are entirely different - and are not inter-workable.


USB-C Headphones incorporate a DAC - however, you will have a far broader choice of good quality headphones if you choose standard analogue with a 3.5mm audio connector, paired with either Apple’s own USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter (that incorporates a compatible DAC):


  • USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MU7E2ZM/A


Some users may choose to use a dedicated third-party DAC to connect their high-quality analogue headphone to the digital USB-C port of the iPad. Here are some examples:

https://www.imore.com/best-dacs-iphone-and-ipad


Instead of a wired headphone (either digital or analogue), many now users prefer wireless Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Again, there are many to choose from - including Apple’s AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirProds Max.


  • AirPods (3rd generation)

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MME73ZM/A


  • AirPods Pro

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MLWK3ZM/A


  • AirPods Max

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/AIRPODSMAX_MAIN

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 1, 2022 6:53 AM in response to NITEBOATER

You cannot use your Lightning headphones with a USB-C port. These interfaces are entirely different - and are not inter-workable.


USB-C Headphones incorporate a DAC - however, you will have a far broader choice of good quality headphones if you choose standard analogue with a 3.5mm audio connector, paired with either Apple’s own USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter (that incorporates a compatible DAC):


  • USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MU7E2ZM/A


Some users may choose to use a dedicated third-party DAC to connect their high-quality analogue headphone to the digital USB-C port of the iPad. Here are some examples:

https://www.imore.com/best-dacs-iphone-and-ipad


Instead of a wired headphone (either digital or analogue), many now users prefer wireless Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Again, there are many to choose from - including Apple’s AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirProds Max.


  • AirPods (3rd generation)

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MME73ZM/A


  • AirPods Pro

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MLWK3ZM/A


  • AirPods Max

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/AIRPODSMAX_MAIN

how best to use lightening headphones with iPad's USB-C port?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.