Whether an iPad has a headphone jack depends entirely on the model. Apple removed the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack from most modern iPads, but a few older and budget-friendly models still include it. For buyers comparing models or users wondering how to connect wired headphones to their device, understanding which iPads still support the jack and what alternatives exist is essential.
This guide breaks down which iPads have a headphone jack, which models don’t, and the best ways to use wired headphones on newer devices.
Table of Contents
Which iPads Still Have a Headphone Jack?
Only a handful of older and education-focused iPads include a 3.5mm headphone jack. These devices retain the port because they target students, schools, and budget-conscious users who may rely on wired audio.
iPads with a headphone jack
- iPad (9th Generation) – Apple’s last budget iPad with a jack, released in 2021.
- iPad Mini (5th Generation) – An earlier compact model still used by some users.
- iPad Air (3rd Generation) – The last Air model to include a 3.5mm port.
- Older iPad models – Such as the iPad 6th, 7th, and 8th gen, still support wired headphones.
If you own or purchase any of these models, you can plug wired headphones in directly without an adapter.
Which iPads Do Not Have a Headphone Jack?
Modern iPads no longer include a headphone jack. Apple removed the 3.5mm port to streamline design, simplify internal components, and push wireless audio via AirPods and Bluetooth.
iPads without a headphone jack
- iPad Pro models (all sizes and generations)
- iPad Air (4th Gen and newer)
- iPad Mini (6th Gen)
- iPad (10th Gen)
These models rely entirely on USB-C or Bluetooth for audio connectivity.
Why Apple Removed the Headphone Jack
Apple removed the headphone jack across most product lines for a few key reasons:
- Thinner and lighter designs – Eliminating internal components frees space for battery and heat management.
- Water resistance improvements – Fewer openings make sealing easier.
- Transition to wireless audio – AirPods and Bluetooth headphones integrate tightly with iPadOS.
- Simplified port layout – USB-C or Lightning becomes the main hub for accessories.
For Apple, moving away from the 3.5mm jack creates a unified, modern hardware direction.
How to Use Wired Headphones on iPads Without a Headphone Jack
Even if your iPad doesn’t include a 3.5mm port, you can still use wired headphones with the right adapter. Apple and third-party manufacturers support several solutions depending on whether your iPad uses Lightning or USB-C.
Using wired headphones on USB-C iPads
- USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter
- USB-C dongles that support headphone + charging
- USB-C audio interfaces for higher-quality output
Using wired headphones on Lightning iPads
- Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter
- Lightning dongle with audio + power passthrough
These adapters restore the ability to use wired earbuds, studio headphones, classroom headsets, or gaming audio devices.
Wired vs Wireless Audio on an iPad
Most modern users rely on Bluetooth headphones, such as AirPods, Beats, and third-party wireless earbuds. Bluetooth audio pairs instantly, works across apps, and offers freedom of movement, which is why Apple emphasizes it.
Wired headphones still offer advantages:
- No latency for gaming or editing
- No charging required
- Greater compatibility with audio equipment
- More consistent sound quality
Because of these benefits, many professionals continue using wired headphones through adapters or USB-C audio tools.
Do Schools Still Use Headphone Jacks on iPads?
Yes. Many educational institutions still prefer iPads with 3.5mm jacks because they:
- Use durable, low-cost wired headsets
- Require reliable audio for testing platforms
- Avoid the management burden of Bluetooth pairing
- Need consistent performance during classroom use
This is a major reason Apple continues to sell the 9th-generation iPad.
Complete Comparison Table of All iPad Models With and Without a Headphone Jack
| iPad Model | Headphone Jack | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st–6th Gen) | ❌ No | All iPad Pro models removed the jack from the beginning |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th Gen) | ❌ No | No iPad Pro includes a 3.5mm port |
| iPad Pro 10.5-inch | ❌ No | Removed during the transition from the older 9.7-inch design |
| iPad Pro 9.7-inch | ✔️ Yes | One of the only Pro models to include a headphone jack |
| iPad Air 5 (M1) | ❌ No | USB-C–only design |
| iPad Air 4 | ❌ No | First Air model to drop the jack |
| iPad Air 3 | ✔️ Yes | Last iPad Air with a headphone port |
| iPad Air 2 | ✔️ Yes | Older design with full wired headphone support |
| iPad Air (1st Gen) | ✔️ Yes | Includes a standard headphone jack |
| iPad 10th Gen | ❌ No | First base iPad to remove the headphone port |
| iPad 9th Gen | ✔️ Yes | Last remaining current iPad with a 3.5mm port |
| iPad 8th Gen | ✔️ Yes | Traditional Lightning + headphone combo |
| iPad 7th Gen | ✔️ Yes | Supports school and wired audio environments |
| iPad 6th Gen | ✔️ Yes | Affordable older model still widely used |
| iPad 5th Gen | ✔️ Yes | Full headphone support |
| iPad 4th Gen and earlier | ✔️ Yes | Every early-generation iPad includes a jack |
| iPad Mini 6 | ❌ No | Redesigned without the 3.5mm port |
| iPad Mini 5 | ✔️ Yes | Last Mini model to include the headphone jack |
| iPad Mini 4 | ✔️ Yes | Older design with wired audio |
| iPad Mini (1–3) | ✔️ Yes | All early Mini generations include the jack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPad Pro have a headphone jack?
No. All iPad Pro models lack a 3.5mm jack.
Does the iPad Air have a headphone jack?
Only the iPad Air 3 includes one. Newer models do not.
Can I use wired headphones on a USB-C iPad?
Yes, with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Are USB-C headphones compatible with iPad?
Yes. USB-C headphones work directly on iPads with USB-C ports.
Why does the 9th-generation iPad still keep the jack?
Apple targets it toward schools, families, and budget users who rely on wired audio.
Do headphone jacks offer better sound quality?
They often provide more stable, consistent audio than Bluetooth, especially for professionals.
Conclusion
Some iPads still have a headphone jack, but most modern models no longer include it. Legacy and budget iPads like the iPad 9th gen, iPad Mini 5, and iPad Air 3, retain the 3.5mm port for practicality, while premium models like iPad Pro and newer iPad Air and Mini versions rely on USB-C or Bluetooth audio instead. Fortunately, adapters and USB-C audio accessories make wired listening easy on any iPad, allowing users to continue enjoying high-quality sound even without a built-in jack.
Ben Scott is a prominent technology journalist and reviewer, specializing in tablet devices. He is known for his comprehensive and unbiased reviews of tablets from various manufacturers.
With a deep understanding of tablet technology, including hardware components, operating systems, and software applications, Scott provides clear and informative reviews accessible to readers of all levels of technical expertise.
His attention to detail and in-depth analysis have earned him a loyal following of readers.