Which iPad Models Have a Headphone Jack? (Complete List)

In 2016 Apple announced the iPhone 7, where it was revealed that the device would be Apple’s first product not to feature a headphone jack. Since then, the headphone jack never made its return back to future iPhone models.

Apple continued on with this trend on several of its iPad models, such as the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, with the original iPad being the last remaining iOS device to still feature a headphone jack.

That was until very recently when Apple announced the 10th generation iPad, where it was revealed that the device would no longer feature a headphone jack. This will mark Apple’s last ever iOS device to feature a headphone jack.

What iPad Models Have Headphone Jacks?

iPad models that feature a headphone jack include the iPad 1st-9th generation models, iPad Mini 1st-5th gen, iPad Air 1st-3rd gen, and iPad Pro 1st-2nd gen models.

Below is a complete list of every single past and present iPad model and whether they feature a headphone jack.

iPad

iPad Mini

iPad Air

iPad Pro

Alternative Options for iPad without Headphone Jack

If you do end up purchasing an iPad that doesn’t feature a headphone jack, then the good news is that you still have a few options for using wired headphones with your new device.

Use an Adapter

The simplest way to connect wired headphones to your iPad is to use an AUX adapter. This can be a Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter or a USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, depending on what charging port your iPad uses. All you would need to do is plug the adapter into your iPad and plug in your headphone connector into the adapter’s aux port.

Use Headphones with a lightning connector

If you own an iPad that uses a lightning port, then another option would be to use a pair of headphones with a lightning connector, such as Apple’s own Earpods with a lightning connector.

Wireless Earbuds

The final and most obvious answer would be to go wireless. True wireless earbuds are convenient and easy to use. Although high-end earbuds such as the Airpods may cost a hefty amount, there are several options in the market at a much more affordable price point.

Why Did Apple Get Rid of The Headphone Jack?

Apple was never clear as to why they made the decision to eliminate the headphone jack from its products. During the announcement of the iPhone 7, Apple’s VP Phil Schiller briefly touched on the subject discussing the importance of having the “courage” to innovate the market.

While we may never know the actual reason why Apple decided to get rid of the headphone jack on many of its devices, many believe it was to free up internal space for additional speakers and the removal of the home button. Only 15 months after the release of the iPhone 7, Apple released the iPhone X, which had an all-screen design, a thinner build, and additional speakers, as well as a bigger battery.

Looking back, many believe that the decision to remove the headphone jack was one of Apple’s best decisions the loss of the headphone jack allowed for thinner designs as well as more internal space for other components in their device.

Getting rid of headphone jacks also paved the way for innovation in waterproof phones. The removal of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 was able to bump up its water resistance rating to IP7. The decision also helped push the adoption of wireless headphones, which was a growing trend in the industry.

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