Apple now sells USB-C EarPods, but there are caveats

Introduction:

Apple’s decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack on its newer iPhone models sparked controversy and confusion among users. But, even as critics continued to argue against Apple’s decision, the company went ahead to eliminate the jack on its latest smartphone models. In recent months, Apple has released its USB-C EarPods, a wired option designed for the iPhone12 and beyond. But, despite the excitement and convenience that come with this release, it’s important to understand the caveats before making a purchase.

1. Compatibility:

The USB-C EarPods are only compatible with iPhones that have Lightning ports. If your older models have the 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-A port, you might have to consider getting an adapter.

 

2. No jack converter:

Apple is no longer including a jack converter in the box, a move which some Apple users find problematic. By eliminating the lightning-to-3.5mm dongle, Apple has transferred the cost of purchasing the adapter to consumers. This means that purchasing the USB-C EarPods will likely cost you more than you had initially budgeted.

3. Noise reduction:

While the audio quality of the USB-C EarPods is good, the noise reduction properties are not great, which has been a common criticism. If you intend to use these earphones in a crowded place, the sounds from the background may still get through.

4. Peripheral equipment:

To use the USB-C EarPods, you also need a USB-C to lightning cable. If you don’t already have one of these cables, you will need to purchase one separately, increasing the total cost of your purchase.

5. Limited customization:

You may find that the USB-C EarPods lack certain customization features that wireless earbuds and headphones offer. For instance, you can’t track your earphone’s battery life using your phone, and you won’t have access to the Siri feature via the earphone’s voice control.

Conclusion:

While Apple’s USB-C EarPods provide a convenient and wired listening experience, the earphones come with some caveats that users should consider before making a purchase. One of the biggest concerns is that the earphones are not compatible with older iPhone models and require additional purchases to function effectively. Nonetheless, if you have an iPhone that’s compatible with the earphones, the connection is stable, the sound quality good enough and the design is typical for Apple. Before you purchase them, however, make sure to weigh the benefits and drawbacks against the cost.