No, iPhones do not come with headphones in the box anymore. Starting with the iPhone 12 in 2020, Apple removed both the EarPods and the power adapter from the packaging of all new models to reduce environmental impact and shipping costs.
The Short Answer: Do iPhones Come with Headphones?
If you are buying a brand-new device today, the answer to do iphones come with headphones is a definitive “No.” Whether you are looking at the latest flagship or an older model currently sold by Apple, you will only find the phone itself and a charging cable in the box.
This change applies to all current retail units, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and the newest iPhone 16 series. Based on industry trends and Apple’s sustainability goals, it is also certain that does iphone 17 come with headphones will result in the same answer next year.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
| Feature | Included in the Box? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Device | Yes | Any model (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) |
| Charging Cable | Yes | USB-C for iPhone 15/16; Lightning for older models |
| Wired EarPods | No | Discontinued from box since 2020 |
| Power Adapter | No | Sold separately or use existing ones |
| 3.5mm Adapter | No | Must be purchased separately |
- Apple stopped including headphones to hit their carbon neutral goals.
- Wired EarPods are now sold as a separate accessory for approximately $19.
- The transition to USB-C on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 means older Lightning headphones will not work without an adapter.
Why Do the New iPhones Not Come with Headphones?
When Apple announced that do new iphones come with headphones would be answered with a “No,” it sparked massive debate. From my experience testing every model since the original iPhone, the unboxing experience changed significantly with the iPhone 12.
The company cited two primary reasons for this move:
- Environmental Impact: By removing the bulky headphones and charger, Apple reduced the size of the box. This allows them to fit 70% more products on a single shipping pallet, significantly lowering transportation emissions.
- Market Saturation: Apple claimed that most users already owned AirPods or other wireless headphones, making the included EarPods redundant e-waste.
While this move was framed as an environmental win, critics point out that it also increased Apple’s profit margins and drove sales for the AirPods lineup, which has become a multi-billion dollar business.
Does the iPhone 16 Come with Headphones? (Model Specifics)
As we move through the product cycles, users often ask about specific models. Here is the breakdown for the most searched devices.
Does iPhone 16 come with headphones?
No, do headphones come with iphone 16 is a common search, but the box remains slim. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max only include a USB-C Charge Cable. You will need to purchase USB-C EarPods or use Bluetooth headphones.
Does the iPhone 15 come with headphones?
Similar to the newer models, does the iphone 15 come with headphones is also a “No.” The iPhone 15 was the first major shift to the USB-C port, meaning even if you had old wired EarPods from an iPhone 11, they wouldn’t fit without a dongle.
Does the iPhone 13 Pro Max come with headphones?
Even though it is an older model, if you buy a “new” retail box of the iPhone 13 Pro Max today, it will not have headphones. Only units manufactured before October 2020 (the iPhone 11 era and earlier) contained the 3.5mm or Lightning EarPods.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Audio on Your New iPhone
Since you won’t find headphones in the box, you need a plan. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up audio for your new device.
Step 1: Identify Your Port
- iPhone 15, 16, and 17: These use USB-C. You need USB-C EarPods or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
- iPhone 14 and older: These use Lightning. You need Lightning EarPods or a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
Step 2: Choose Your Connection Type
- Wireless (Recommended): Purchase AirPods Pro, AirPods (4th Gen), or any Bluetooth headphones.
- Wired (Budget Friendly): Purchase Apple EarPods (ensure you choose the correct connector).
- Audiophile: Use a DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) adapter to plug in high-end studio headphones.
Step 3: Pairing Wireless Headphones
- Open Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Put your headphones in pairing mode.
- Tap the device name when it appears on your screen.
- For AirPods, simply open the case near the iPhone for an automatic pop-up.
Expert Perspective: Is Buying Separate Headphones Worth It?
As an expert who has reviewed hundreds of audio accessories, I believe the removal of headphones from the box was inevitable but frustrating. The EarPods that used to come in the box were valued at roughly $19.
If you are looking for the best experience, I suggest the following data-backed choices:
- Convenience: AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) offer the best integration with the iOS ecosystem, including Find My tracking and instant switching between iPad and Mac.
- Audio Quality: Wired USB-C EarPods actually support Lossless Audio on Apple Music, which many wireless headphones cannot do due to Bluetooth compression.
- Budget: Third-party brands like Anker or JLab offer wireless buds for under $30 that often outperform the old wired EarPods.
Navigating the Transition to USB-C
With the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the change in port is the biggest hurdle. Many users were confused when does the new iphone come with headphones resulted in them having to throw away their old Lightning accessories.
Pro Tip: If you have expensive wired headphones with a 3.5mm jack, do not buy new headphones. Instead, spend $9 on the Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter. It is one of the highest-rated budget DACs on the market and provides excellent sound clarity.
The Future: Does iPhone 17 Come with Headphones?
Looking ahead, there is zero indication that Apple will reverse this trend. In fact, rumors suggest Apple may eventually move to a portless iPhone. If this happens, even wired charging cables might disappear, making MagSafe and Bluetooth the only ways to interact with your device. Therefore, the answer to does iphone 17 come with headphones will almost certainly be no.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use my old 3.5mm headphones with an iPhone 16?
Yes, but you will need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. The iPhone 16 does not have a dedicated headphone jack, and it does not come with an adapter in the box.
Why did Apple stop including EarPods?
Apple stated the change was to reduce electronic waste and decrease the carbon footprint of their shipping process. However, it also encourages the purchase of separate accessories like AirPods.
Do any countries still get headphones in the iPhone box?
Previously, France required headphones by law due to radiation concerns, and Brazil had some local mandates. However, most of these legal requirements have been overturned or modified. In 2024, almost no country receives iPhones with included headphones.
Are AirPods included with the iPhone 16 Pro Max?
No. Despite the high price tag of the Pro Max models, AirPods are never included for free. They must be purchased separately as an accessory.
What is the cheapest way to get headphones for a new iPhone?
The most affordable “official” way is to buy Apple EarPods (USB-C) for $19. Alternatively, you can find reputable third-party USB-C headphones on sites like Amazon for as low as $10-$15.
