The lightning connector was introduced to Apple products in 2012 with the release of the iPhone 5. The Lightning Connector is a proprietary cable and connector designed by Apple for data synchronization and charging purposes. This means that it cant be used on your regular laptop easily, but there are two ways to connect them using adapters.
Why is the lightning connector a problem for laptops?
The lightning connector is a proprietary cable and connection designed by Apple for data synchronization and charging purposes. This means that it cant be used on your regular laptop easily like other types of cables. Not even Apple laptops have a lightning connector!
What are your options? how do you connect your lightning headphones?
Well, turns out there are to simple ways to connect your headphones to your laptop. Both of them are cheap options and require an adapter, but thats better than not having alternatives, right? right?
Lightning to USB-A adapter
You can use a USB-A adapter to connect your lightning headphones. All you have to do is plug the USB connector into your laptop, then plug one end of the lightning cable in the other side and finally insert it into your headphone jack.
If you have an old laptop without USB-C ports [2015 or older] this is your best choice. There arent many options available to buy though as USB-A connectors are slowly being replaced by newer USB interfaces such as
Lightning to USB-C adapter
If you have a newer laptop with USB-C ports or are just interested in having the newest and most up-to-date technology then you can use an adapter for that too.
This type of adapter is also used as a data sync cable between your iPhone and computer [or any other USB device]. The downside? Its a bit more expensive than the lightning to USB-A adapter.
Heres a popular one on Amazon:
- Apple MFI Certified: Mangotek usb c to lightning adapter Original chip built-in, Fully meet Apples stringent standards to ensure that no warning reminders or pop-up windows appear.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site[s], as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you have a 2016 or newer Macbook model, this adapter is for you.
Can I buy a lightning to 3.5mm jack adapter?
I know what youre thinking! But no, you cant. The lightning connector and the regular headphone jack are not compatible in that particular order. You can buy a 3.5mm to lightning adapter, but not a lightning to 3.5mm adapter.
Are Apple EarPods with lightning connectors worth the hassle?
I would say yes. Theyre very comfortable, the sound quality is excellent and you dont have to deal with any of this nonsense if you use them!
If youre planning on buying a new set just for your laptop its probably not worth it, but since most people have them because theyre included with their iPhone, its reasonable to invest a bit more on an adapter to make them compatible with the rest of your devices.
Final words
I hope you found this article helpful. Its important to remember that lightning headphones cant be used on regular laptops easily, but there are two ways to connect them using adapters!
Now you know how to use lightning headphones on laptops, so, go and enjoy your new set of sound quality headphones connected correctly for use with a laptop! Or you know, you can always get a new pair of AirPods and go wireless. Needless to say, AirPods can have problems too, but thats a story for another post.