As the world becomes increasingly wireless, it’s easy to think that headphone jacks are a thing of the past. But, what about those of us who still love plugging in our trusty wired headphones or earbuds to enjoy our favorite tunes or binge-watch the latest shows? If you’re an iPad enthusiast who refuses to give up on the 3.5mm glory, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll dive into the world of iPads that still sport the beloved headphone jack.
The Evolution of iPad Audio
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of which iPads still have headphone jacks, let’s take a brief look at the evolution of audio on Apple’s iconic tablets. When the first iPad was released in 2010, it featured a single 3.5mm headphone jack, just like its iPhone counterparts. This allowed users to easily plug in their favorite headphones or earbuds and enjoy a seamless audio experience.
Fast-forward to 2016, when Apple introduced the iPhone 7, marking the beginning of the end for the headphone jack. The tech giant cited water resistance and the need for more space as reasons for axing the beloved port. The iPhone 7 and subsequent models relied on the Lightning connector for audio output or wireless headphones.
However, iPads took a different path. While some newer iPad models have indeed ditched the headphone jack, others have retained this feature, much to the delight of audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Which iPads Still Have Headphone Jacks?
So, which iPads still proudly sport the 3.5mm headphone jack? Let’s explore the current lineup and some older models that are still worth considering:
Newer iPad Models with Headphone Jacks
- iPad (7th Generation): Released in 2019, this entry-level iPad still features a headphone jack, making it an excellent choice for those who want an affordable, jack-equipped tablet.
- iPad Air (3rd Generation): Launched in 2019, this iPad Air model also retains the headphone jack, making it a great option for those who want a more powerful tablet without sacrificing audio versatility.
Older iPad Models with Headphone Jacks
- iPad (5th Generation): Although it was released in 2017, this iPad still has a headphone jack and can be found at a lower price point than newer models.
- iPad Air 2: This 2014 model may be older, but it still packs a headphone jack and can be a budget-friendly option for those who want a reliable iPad with wired audio capabilities.
- iPad mini 4: This 2015 tablet is another older model that still features a headphone jack, making it a great choice for those who want a compact, affordable iPad with wired audio.
Why Keep the Headphone Jack?
So, why is it so important to have a headphone jack on an iPad? Here are a few compelling reasons:
Audio Quality: Wired headphones often provide better sound quality compared to their wireless counterparts. If you’re an audiophile or prefer the warm, rich tones of wired audio, a headphone jack is a must-have.
Convenience: When you’re on a long flight or road trip, having a headphone jack means you don’t have to worry about your wireless headphones running out of battery. Simply plug in your trusty wired headphones and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment.
Cost-Effective: Wired headphones are often significantly cheaper than wireless models, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
What About Wireless Audio Options?
While we’re advocates for the humble headphone jack, we understand that wireless audio has its advantages. If you’re willing to ditch the wired world, here are some wireless audio options for iPad:
Bluetooth Headphones: Pair your iPad with Bluetooth headphones, such as Apple’s AirPods or BeatsX, for a wire-free listening experience.
Wireless Earbuds: Wireless earbuds like Apple’s AirPods Pro or Samsung’s Galaxy Buds offer convenient, compact audio solutions.
Lightning Headphones: If you prefer a wired connection but don’t want to use the traditional 3.5mm jack, Lightning headphones are a great option. These headphones connect directly to your iPad’s Lightning port, providing a wired audio experience without the need for a headphone jack.
Conclusion
When it comes to iPads with headphone jacks, there are still plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry-level iPad or a more powerful iPad Air, there’s a headphone-jack-equipped model to suit your needs. Remember, the jack is more than just a port – it’s a symbol of flexibility, convenience, and high-quality audio. So, go ahead and rock out with your wired headphones, knowing that you’ve got the best of both worlds.
| iPad Model | Release Year | Headphone Jack |
|---|---|---|
| iPad (7th Generation) | 2019 | ✔️ |
| iPad Air (3rd Generation) | 2019 | ✔️ |
| iPad (5th Generation) | 2017 | ✔️ |
| iPad Air 2 | 2014 | ✔️ |
| iPad mini 4 | 2015 | ✔️ |
Note: The above table lists the iPad models mentioned in the article, along with their release year and headphone jack status.
Which iPads still have headphone jacks?
The iPads that still have headphone jacks are the iPad (7th generation), iPad (6th generation), iPad (5th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini 4, and iPad Pro 9.7. These iPads have not been discontinued and are still available for purchase from Apple and other retailers.
It’s worth noting that Apple has been slowly phasing out the headphone jack from its devices, starting with the iPhone 7 in 2016. However, they have not yet removed it from all iPads, and these older models are still a great option for those who prefer to use wired headphones.
Why did Apple remove the headphone jack from newer iPads?
Apple removed the headphone jack from newer iPads to make them thinner and lighter, and to encourage the use of wireless headphones. They also believe that the Lightning port is a more versatile and convenient option for listening to audio.
By removing the headphone jack, Apple was able to redesign the internal layout of the iPad and make it more compact. Additionally, they believe that wireless headphones offer a more convenient and seamless listening experience, without the hassle of tangled cords or lost earbuds.
Can I still use wired headphones with newer iPads?
Yes, you can still use wired headphones with newer iPads that do not have a headphone jack. You can use the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter that comes with the iPad, or purchase a third-party adapter.
Keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional adapters or dongles to connect your wired headphones to your iPad. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re traveling or on-the-go. However, it’s still possible to use wired headphones with newer iPads.
Are there any alternative options to wired headphones?
Yes, there are several alternative options to wired headphones. You can use wireless headphones that connect to your iPad via Bluetooth, or use Lightning-enabled headphones that plug directly into the Lightning port.
Wireless headphones offer the convenience of untethered listening, and many models have long battery life and reliable connectivity. Lightning-enabled headphones, on the other hand, offer a more seamless listening experience, without the need for adapters or batteries.
Are older iPads with headphone jacks still supported by Apple?
Yes, older iPads with headphone jacks are still supported by Apple. They will continue to receive software updates and security patches, and you can still purchase them from Apple and other retailers.
However, it’s worth noting that Apple may eventually discontinue support for these older models, especially as they become older and less popular. If you’re planning to keep your iPad for a long time, you may want to consider purchasing a newer model with the latest features and compatible accessories.
Can I still purchase older iPads with headphone jacks?
Yes, you can still purchase older iPads with headphone jacks from Apple and other retailers. They may be available in the refurbished or used section, or as part of a clearance sale.
Keep in mind that the availability of older iPads may vary depending on your location and the retailer. You may need to search online or visit multiple stores to find the model you’re looking for.
Are older iPads with headphone jacks a good option for music lovers?
Yes, older iPads with headphone jacks are a great option for music lovers. They offer a convenient and seamless listening experience, without the need for adapters or batteries.
Additionally, older iPads with headphone jacks often have better sound quality than newer models, especially when paired with high-quality wired headphones. If you’re a music lover who prefers wired headphones, an older iPad with a headphone jack may be the best option for you.