Which iPhones Have A Headphone Jack? [2025 Guide]

If you’re shopping for an iPhone and want to use standard wired headphones, you need to know which models still have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple made a major change several years ago, and for many users, it’s not obvious which phones still support regular headphones. This guide breaks down every iPhone that includes a headphone jack, when Apple dropped the feature, and what your options are now in 2025.

The iPhone Headphone Jack Timeline

Apple introduced the iPhone back in 2007 with the classic 3.5mm headphone jack, the same port used by most wired headphones and earbuds. This connector was a standard feature for the first several generations of iPhones. The major turning point came in 2016, when Apple launched the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. These were the first iPhones to remove the headphone jack completely, signaling a shift toward wireless audio and Lightning-based accessories.

Any iPhone model released before the iPhone 7 has a headphone jack. Every iPhone released after - starting with the iPhone 7 and every model since - does not include a 3.5mm port. Apple’s decision sparked plenty of debate, but after nearly a decade, it’s clear the company won’t bring the jack back. If you want an iPhone with a headphone jack in 2025, you’ll be looking at older models only.

List of iPhones With a Headphone Jack

Here’s a concrete list of every iPhone that includes a built-in headphone jack:

• iPhone (original, 2007)
• iPhone 3G and 3GS
• iPhone 4 and 4S
• iPhone 5, 5C, and 5S
• iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
• iPhone 6S and 6S Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016)

The last iPhones to feature a headphone jack were the iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and the original iPhone SE. All later iPhones, including the SE (2nd generation, 2020) and everything in the iPhone 7, 8, X, 11, 12, 13, 14, and the 15 series, do not have one.

The Final Models: iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and SE (1st Gen)

The iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, and the original iPhone SE (released in 2016) are the last Apple smartphones to include a headphone jack. These models are key for anyone who prioritizes wired audio. The 6S and 6S Plus feature the 3.5mm port on the bottom, right next to the Lightning charging port. The first-generation SE shares this layout.

These phones are now several years old, with aging hardware and limited software support. As of 2025, they no longer receive the latest iOS updates, which means some new apps and security features will not be available. However, if using wired headphones is your main concern, these are your only options from the iPhone lineup.

Why Did Apple Remove the Headphone Jack?

Apple’s decision to remove the headphone jack in 2016 with the iPhone 7 was controversial at the time. The company argued that the space saved enabled larger batteries, improved water resistance, and paved the way for new audio technologies. By making wireless audio the default, Apple pushed users towards products like AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones.

The move also encouraged accessory makers to adopt Lightning-based audio accessories and boosted sales of Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters. While some users appreciate the convenience of wireless earbuds, others still find the lack of a headphone jack inconvenient, especially for high-quality wired headphones or professional audio use.

Using Wired Headphones on Newer iPhones

If you own or plan to buy an iPhone model without a headphone jack, you still have a couple of practical options for using wired headphones. The most straightforward is Apple’s own Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter, which plugs into the Lightning port and gives you a standard headphone output. This adapter is inexpensive but easy to lose, so many users keep a few spares on hand.

Another workaround is to use Bluetooth headphones. Many wireless earbuds and headphones are now designed to pair quickly and provide good battery life. Some high-end options even offer lossless audio. If you need to connect to professional audio gear or a car’s AUX input, you may need a more specialized adapter, such as a Lightning-to-3.5mm with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) for higher sound quality.

Is It Worth Buying an Old iPhone for the Headphone Jack?

With the original iPhone SE and the 6S series now almost a decade old, it’s fair to ask whether it’s smart to buy one just for the headphone jack. These phones run outdated hardware, have smaller batteries, and lack the latest security updates. Many apps may stop supporting them in the near future. Used models are available, but battery health and performance can vary widely.

If you truly rely on wired audio, and newer adapters or dongles don’t cut it for your needs, buying an old iPhone could make sense as a secondary device. For everyday use, though, most people will be better off with a newer phone and a Lightning adapter or wireless headphones. The headphone jack is now a relic, and 2025 buyers should be aware of the trade-offs.

Alternatives for Audiophiles and Musicians

Some users - especially musicians, podcasters, and audiophiles - need a reliable wired connection for reasons like low latency or high-fidelity sound. While older iPhones provide a direct headphone jack, the lack of iOS updates means you’ll miss out on newer music production apps and studio features. For professional use, many turn to specialized Lightning or USB-C audio interfaces and high-quality DACs.

External audio gear can offer much better sound quality than the old headphone jacks, often supporting higher sample rates and less interference. Brands like iFi, FiiO, and Apogee make compact adapters for iPhone that convert Lightning or USB-C to a standard headphone output with improved fidelity. This modern hardware works well with the latest iPhones and is a more future-proof solution, even though it adds another piece of gear to your kit.

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