We’ve reviewed two headphone-jack adapters, one from Belkin and one from RadTech, that let you use third-party headphones with the iPhone’s recessed headphone jack. But as reader Chuck recently pointed out in a comment, if you’ve got an original iPod shuffle and happened to purchase Apple’s iPod shuffle Sport Case for it, you’ve already got just such an adapter.
You see, the Sport Case protected the original iPod shuffle in a clear-plastic, water-resistant shell; the downside to this all-over protection was that once the Sport Case was on the shuffle, the shuffle’s headphone jack was recessed into the case. (See our original review.) Although the shuffle’s stock earbuds would work with this recessed jack, most third-party headphones would not; the opening was too narrow.
To get around this limitation, Apple included with the Sport Case a 4.5-inch cable adapter (shown in the image above); you plugged the adapter into the shuffle and then plugged your headphones into the adapter. As it turns out, this adapter works perfectly with the iPhone, as well.
Now, given that Apple currently sells the Sport Case for $29, and most third-party headphone-jack adapters for the iPhone sell for $7 to $15, I don’t recommend rushing out and buying the Sport Case just to get the adapter. But some judicious eBay or CraigsList shopping may find you a used Sports Case, or even just the adapter, for a few bucks. And if you’ve already got a Sport Case from back in the first-generation-shuffle day, you’re already set.
Hey, thanks for the tip. I dont have one of these, however, it does point out that there is a probability that before long, Apple could make these little "adapters" available on their own.
Personally, I am waiting for some new noise canceling headphones (I currently use the Bose QuietComfort 3) which has a built-in microphone so that I can use it just like I use the apple headphones.
As has been pointed out in the interview with Apple (see past article here) I agree that this will be the true seller.
I bought an iPod Shuffle Sport Case exclusively for this purpose through Amazon. The Sport Case adapter is much better than that ginormous Belkin "Radio Tower Antenna" adapter.
I got it brand new at Amazon for $5.99+ shipping. The seller bought them in bulk so they're dirt cheap.
Apple should sell these in their stores.
I picked up 5 of these sports cases at staples here in Regina, Saskatchewan. They were in the discount bin for like $5 each. They also had the armband and the shuffle dock as well for $5 each.
Only 4 of the cases had the mini adapter thing as the one package had already been opened (the sportscase itself was fine). But $5 beats the full price! :)
And since the shuffle is at 2nd gen now, I would think these 1st gen shuffle doodads will be cheaper out in the wild.
good luck!
Now i just need an iPhone and I'll be set :)