Can I use non Apple headphones with an iPhone 11?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

Absolutely! You can use non-Apple headphones with an iPhone 11. Apple has moved away from the traditional headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7, and the iPhone 11 continues this trend. Instead, they have opted for a Lightning port or USB-C port for audio output.

To use non-Apple headphones with your iPhone 11, you’ll need a headphone adapter or dongle. This small accessory connects to the Lightning port of your iPhone 11 and provides a standard 3.5mm audio jack where you can plug in any pair of wired headphones. You can easily find these adapters online or at electronics stores.

Alternatively, you can go wireless and use Bluetooth headphones with your iPhone 11. Bluetooth technology allows you to pair your headphones wirelessly with your iPhone, giving you the freedom to move around without being tethered by wires. Most Bluetooth headphones on the market today are compatible with iPhones, including those from popular brands like Sony, Bose, JBL, and many others.

Pairing Bluetooth headphones with your iPhone 11 is a straightforward process. Simply put your headphones in pairing mode (usually done by pressing and holding a button) and go to your iPhone’s settings. From there, navigate to the Bluetooth menu and select your headphones from the list of available devices. Once connected, you can enjoy your music, podcasts, or any audio content wirelessly.

One advantage of using wireless headphones with your iPhone 11 is that you can connect them to multiple Apple devices seamlessly. This is because of the Apple-designed W1 or H1 chips found in some wireless headphones like the AirPods, AirPods Pro, or Powerbeats Pro. These chips enable automatic pairing and seamless switching between Apple devices logged in to the same iCloud account. However, it’s important to note that these chips are only available in select Apple and Beats headphones.

That being said, it’s not necessary to have headphones with the Apple-designed chips to enjoy wireless audio on your iPhone 11. Any Bluetooth headphones that support the appropriate Bluetooth version will work just fine. Simply follow the standard pairing process for Bluetooth devices, and you’ll be able to listen to your favorite audio content without any issues.

You can definitely use non-Apple headphones with an iPhone 11. Whether you choose to go wired with a headphone adapter or embrace the wireless freedom of Bluetooth headphones, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences and budget. So feel free to explore different headphone brands and models to find the perfect fit for your iPhone 11 and enjoy your audio experience to the fullest.