iPhone Headphone Jack

[timeslip]

I wanted to play some of my MP3's on the iPhone last night, and tried to plug my Super Fi 5 Pro into it. To my surprise, it would not fit. The hole on the iPhone is a little too deep, and Apple didn't think to make the outer ring a little rounder so that it would fit the plastic ends on most head phones. So now, the only headphones I can use with it is the stupid Apple ones that come with the iPods/iPhones.

Has anyone thought of any work arounds? Was this a design flaw, or is this a way for Apple to force us to use their own earphones?

[Bakerman]

It is like this because of the microphone on the earbuds. If you look there is an extra ring around the jack itself on the supplied earbuds.

It causes an issue for me as well, as I cannot use my current hookup in the car.

There is an adapter from Belkin on the Apple site that will let you use the headphones you desire. However ship time is 2 to 4 weeks.

[925]

It is not because of the extra ring on the jack! It is because Apple chose to recess the jack, and didn't care if normal devices in the market fit. It is just too far recessed and too narrow for most any jack except theirs.

[Willaim]

I wanted to play some of my MP3's on the iPhone last night, and tried to plug my Super Fi 5 Pro into it. To my surprise, it would not fit. The hole on the iPhone is a little too deep, and Apple didn't think to make the outer ring a little rounder so that it would fit the plastic ends on most head phones. So now, the only headphones I can use with it is the stupid Apple ones that come with the iPods/iPhones.

Has anyone thought of any work arounds? Was this a design flaw, or is this a way for Apple to force us to use their own earphones?
Here is my rigged up temp (I hope) fix. I carved an extension plug to fit. Please email UE's (http://www.ultimateears.com/superfi/contact_us_superfi.htm) and bug them to make a iPhone cord.

http://photos.imageevent.com/williamjulien/forsale/huge/iPhone%20001.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/williamjulien/forsale/huge/iPhone%20003.jpg

[loungelen]

I can connect the iPhone to my car and use it as an MP3 player and car phone.

My car is a 2001 VW Passat, with the Monsoon radio. For the Monsoon, I purchased a $60 harness that attaches to the back of the head unit (where the optional "CD Changer" would be attached), and it provides a 3.5mm stereo plug and a USB "A" connector up front. I used to use this for my iPod, but now (after shaving the plastic housing to fit), it connects to the iPhone.

I've had other cars that already had a 3.5mm "AUX-IN" connector on the front of the head unit. But the Passat didn't, so that's why I needed the new harness.

Since the Monsoon head unit is single-DIN (the amp is in the trunk), there's an empty, felt-lined storage slot directly beneath it. I use that to store my iPhone.

When a call comes in, I tap the "Answer" button, and leave the phone there - with the microphone end sticking out. I can talk as if I'm on speakerphone, and hear the caller on my car's speakers.


It is like this because of the microphone on the earbuds. If you look there is an extra ring around the jack itself on the supplied earbuds.

It causes an issue for me as well, as I cannot use my current hookup in the car.

There is an adapter from Belkin on the Apple site that will let you use the headphones you desire. However ship time is 2 to 4 weeks.

[Fry-man22]

I wanted to play some of my MP3's on the iPhone last night, and tried to plug my Super Fi 5 Pro into it. To my surprise, it would not fit. The hole on the iPhone is a little too deep, and Apple didn't think to make the outer ring a little rounder so that it would fit the plastic ends on most head phones. So now, the only headphones I can use with it is the stupid Apple ones that come with the iPods/iPhones.

Has anyone thought of any work arounds? Was this a design flaw, or is this a way for Apple to force us to use their own earphones?

This is NOT a design flaw in my opinion. This was Apple saying they were going to make the heaphone makers stop reinforcing the stupid headphone cord so they could strengthen the actual jack solder connection (which is WAY more important when viewed from a whole device standpoint). Yes this may cost a couple more dollers to by updated headphones, but I really think it's worth it for the potential longevity it adds to the device.

The Shuffle sportcase is the best work around because it comes with a great little cord (perfect IMO). I got one for $.89 plus $3.00 shipping off eBay, ther only problem is they (the sellers) figured out what was going on and they have started selling the case separate from the little cord (see links below).

http://cgi.ebay.com/OEM-APPLE-iPOD-SHUFFLE-SPORT-CASE-M9758G-A-BRAND-NEW-NR_W0QQitemZ280140900856QQihZ018QQcategoryZ111693Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280141112507&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BID_Stores_IT&refitem=280140763982&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget


I'd try and find one of these the says it includes the cord for a good price or just take on of the separate auctions instead of the Belkin/Griffen options.

Good Luck