Plugging Earphones into iMac

[Marc]

Having bought a new iMac this year, I notice it has 2 lightning ports on the back. Having also upgraded to an iPhone 11 which comes with earphones with a lightning connecter I thought I'd be able to plug it into said ports on the iMac.

Except it doesn't seem to fit. Anyone know why this might be and, if they're not for plugging in lightning cables, what are they for (given there id a lightning symbol above them)?

 

[Craikeybaby]

The iMac has Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, rather than lightening ports, which are fir video/data transmission.

 

[Marc]

The iMac has Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports, rather than lightening ports, which are fir video/data transmission.

Ah, that would explain it. The lightning symbol is a bit misleading though.

Is there a way to connect earphones to the iMac?

 

[Craikeybaby]

I’m still on an old model with a 3.5mm jack, not sure if that is there on the latest one. I just tend to use Bluetooth for audio these days, can’t be doing with being attached to the Mac.

 

[Marc]

I’m still on an old model with a 3.5mm jack, not sure if that is there on the latest one. I just tend to use Bluetooth for audio these days, can’t be doing with being attached to the Mac.

Yes, there is a 3.5mm jack. Looks like I'll have to dig out my old earphones, think they might be in my desk draw at work.

 

[treeman]

Yes, there is a 3.5mm jack.

You can get an Apple adaptor, I have one, works fine ;-)

 

[Marc]

You can get an Apple adaptor, I have one, works fine ;-)

Can you link to the one you've got? I've had a quick look but can't see anything for connecting lightning to 3.5mm (plenty for the other way around)

 

[Craikeybaby]

A cheap set of wireless ear buds is likely to be cheaper than an Apple adapter to use the the lightening ear buds. I use some Anker ones that were under £20 and are really good.

 

[the black fox]

set of bluetooth ones would be best imho

 

[treeman]

Can you link to the one you've got? I've had a quick look but can't see anything for connecting lightning to 3.5mm (plenty for the other way around)

Sorry old age getting to me ! Ignore me I'm talking rubbish!!

I've got old 3.5 headphones that I use an adapter to connect to iPhone 11

 

[Marc]

A cheap set of wireless ear buds is likely to be cheaper than an Apple adapter to use the the lightening ear buds. I use some Anker ones that were under £20 and are really good.

set of bluetooth ones would be best imho

Yep;, iPhone earphones tend to be a bit of a struggle for my fingers so these were delivered this afternoon. I'm rather pleased with them.

 

[JonathanRyan]

Yep;, iPhone earphones tend to be a bit of a struggle for my fingers so these were delivered this afternoon. I'm rather pleased with them.

I have some cheap over the ear headphones which I wear travelling to London. I dare say I look ridic on the train but they are really comfy and IMO I don't need noise cancellation with them.

 

[Marc]

I have some cheap over the ear headphones which I wear travelling to London. I dare say I look ridic on the train but they are really comfy and IMO I don't need noise cancellation with them.

Yes, and at £16 with Prime, a bargain. They're very light and comfortable as well.

I've seen lots of people out and about with these things so I doubt you look much out of the ordinary.

 

[Pound Coin]

Yes, and at £16 with Prime, a bargain. They're very light and comfortable as well.

I've seen lots of people out and about with these things so I doubt you look much out of the ordinary.

They’ll be more likely to look at you carrying the iMac around!!

 

[Marc]

They’ll be more likely to look at you carrying the iMac around!!

I'll be going retro with it on my shoulder!