Apple EarPods (USB-C): wired earbuds with remote for iPhone and iPad

The EarPods with USB-C are Apple's simple wired earbuds, now with a USB-C plug instead of Lightning or a headphone jack. Plug them straight into an iPhone, iPad or Mac with a USB-C port and start listening – no battery, no charging, no Bluetooth pairing. That makes them handy as a backup pair in your bag, for video calls on a laptop, or whenever your wireless earbuds have run flat.

Unlike round standard earbuds, Apple says the shape is based on the geometry of the ear. They sit loosely in the outer ear rather than in the ear canal, so you stay more aware of your surroundings. According to the manufacturer, the speakers are designed to maximise sound output.

An inline remote on the cable lets you adjust volume, control music and video, and answer or end calls. Apple also describes the EarPods as sweat and water resistant, though it doesn't give an IP rating.

Worth knowing: you need a device with USB-C – according to Apple an iPhone with iOS 17, an iPad with iPadOS 16.4 or a Mac with macOS Monterey 12.6 or later. Older iPhones with Lightning need the Lightning version. There is no noise cancellation, and because they sit open, ambient noise gets through. If you have small ears or are used to an in-ear fit, note that there are no interchangeable tips. On Android and Windows devices with USB-C, the remote may not work fully.