Apple Talks iPod shuffle Headphone Compatibility

Apple's latest released iPod has received mixed reviews. The negative talk surrounding the new device is, of course, tied to the fact that owners are locked into the headphones provided by Apple. Headphones, as every MP3 player owner knows, break, may not fit right, and almost always need to be replaced.

Those who haven't been reading the news lately may be wondering what's so bad about the fresh shuffle's headphones. Well, the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the whole control system Apple is shoving down customers' throats. In a nutshell, owners of a third generation shuffle cannot use other (third party) headphones except for the ones provided with the device. Why? Because the controls are placed on the headphone cord.

“iPod shuffle (3rd generation) includes the Apple Earphones with Remote,” begins a Support document recently posted by Apple. “The buttons on the remote (shown below) are used to control audio volume and playback of content on iPod shuffle,” the company explains, linking to an additional knowledge base piece on using the headphones.


The 3rd generation iPod shuffle controls (situated on the headphone cord)
Credits: Apple


“Headphones or other audio accessories made by Apple or a third-party that do not include an integrated remote are not compatible with iPod shuffle (3rd generation),” Apple continues to outline. “iPod shuffle can still be used with these accessories, but with limited functionality,” the company reveals. The iPod maker also explains exactly how limited this functionality is in the same Support piece.

“When a standard headphone or audio accessory is connected you can initiate audio playback by simply switching iPod shuffle to the play in order  or shuffle  position from the OFF position,” Apple says. “The iPod shuffle should be in the OFF position for at least 3 seconds before switching it back on. iPod shuffle will resume playback of the content that was previously being played at a fixed volume level that cannot be adjusted from the iPod itself.”

Only if iPod shuffle is connected to external speakers or a car stereo can the user adjust the volume, according to the iPod manufacturer. Of course, this is not on Apple's behalf, but merely because almost every sound system or car stereo sports its own amplifier, hence a volume knob. The company adds that iPod shuffle will stop playing music when the audio accessory is disconnected. The Support document doesn't outline whether playback resumes after the audio jack is plugged back in.