We ’ve beentaking your iPhone 4 questions , answering theminaseriesof articles . But among the most vulgar questions have been one about whether or not supplement that mould with previous iPhone — or iPod — model will knead with Apple ’s latest phone .
Given that young iPhone and iPod models have , in the past times , included circuitry changes that that rendered existing accessary obsolete , as well as the fact that the iPhone 4 ’s physical design is very different from that of its predecessors , these are valid business organization . As we do with every novel iPhone , iPod , and iPad , here ’s a quick rundown of which accessories influence — and which do n’t .
Belkin ’s Shield Eclipse
Belkin’s Shield Eclipse
Cases : As should be obvious , make the completely newfangled pattern of the iPhone 4 , cases for existing iPhones wo n’t fit — compared to the iPhone 3GS , the iPhone 4 is slight in the middle , less - rounded at the edges , and narrower overall . However , I cite casing here for the same reason I bring up them whenI blab about the iPad and accessory compatibility : Some vender begin producing iPhone 4 cases before the earpiece was really released , and based on some of the early case samples we ’ve seen , not every other case is as usable as it could be . Most of the other sample distribution we ’ve seen fit the iPhone 4 ’s dimension , but on some , the earphone ’s buttons and switches are difficult to operate , and on others , the grammatical case does n’t provide a magnanimous - enough orifice for the camera(s ) and scoot . When buying a case for your new iPhone , I advocate trying the case first — or at least buy from a stock with a good return policy .
Another popular shelter option for iPhones is a protective flick for the screenland , or for the entire organic structure of the phone , from society such asInvisibleShieldandBodyGuardz . If our experiences with the iPhone 3GS ’s screen are any denotation , the iPhone 4 ’s blind should be nearly impervious to pelf — I used my iPhone 3GS for a year with the silver screen unprotected and still do n’t have a scratch on it . If you just ca n’t quit worrying about covert scratch , Power Supporthas long made my favourite projection screen films .
If the glass back of the iPhone 4 is made of the same grade of glass as the phone ’s CRT screen , you may be able-bodied to avoid insure it with a causa , as well ; however , we ’ve read claim that the iPhone 4 ’s screen and backside apply different grades of glass . In either case , ifyou find yourself affected by the iPhone 4 ’s receipt issue , where holding the phone a finical way fundamentally reduces receipt by bridging two of its extraneous antennas , a case seems to ameliorate the problem by preclude you from touching those feeler . ( Apple ’s yes - it - really - does - cost-$29iPhone Bumper , which is simply a safety - and - credit card edge guard , also seems to help in this respect . )
Bowers & Wilkins’ P5
Bowers & Wilkins ’ P5
Headphones and wired headset : The iPhone 4 features the same multi - function headphone doodly-squat as the preceding few iPhones and iPod touch model . It work out with standard stereo earphone with a 1/8 - column inch ( 3.5 mm ) stereophonic system miniplug , as well as two-channel headsets — from Appleand third - political party marketer — that include an inline remote restraint and mike . ( The iPhone 4 let in Apple ’s three - button — play / pause , mass up , and loudness down — earbuds with microphone . ) When using the iPod app , the inline play / interruption button work just as it does with many recent Apple products : a single press toggles playback , a double - press skips forward , a three-fold - public press skip backward , and a military press - hold activates the iPhone ’s Voice Control feature . When using the Phone app with a pumped headset , the iPhone ’s microphone and speaker unit are handicapped in favor of the mike and earpieces on the headset , and the inline play / suspension release execute phone - refer functions .
The microphone on a wired headset should also work in any app that let audio recording , including the stock Voice Memos app . It also works with the video manner of Apple ’s Camera app ; in fact , the inline play / pause button act as a record / pause button .
Plantronics’ Voyager Pro
microphone : As I just observe , the inline mike on any iPhone- or iPod - compatible headphones or headset works as a mono microphone for record audio ( from within an app that supports recording , of course ) . These microphone also work in Skype and similar apps .
On the other hand , dock - connective microphones , such as Blue ’s Mikey , do n’t mould at all . According to apost on the Audiofile Engineering forum — the party make the Fire field of view - recording app — Apple has change the audio - input circuitry on the iPad and iPhone 4 ; mike and other audio - input accessories must now convert sound recording to a USB - audio sign before sending that signal to the iPhone ’s dock - connector porthole . ( Older iPhones and iPods accepted analog sound recording input , but that circuitry has been bump off . )
Unfortunately , unlike with the iPad , you ca n’t associate a USB mike or headset to the iPhone using the iPad Camera Connection Kit . The Camera Connection Kit does n’t work at all with the iPhone . likewise , as with late iPhones and the iPad , the mike on Bluetooth headphones or headset , which can be used for phone calls , does n’t work for world-wide audio transcription .
Altec Lansing’s inMotion Classic
Plantronics ’ Voyager Pro
Bluetooth mono headset : The iPhone 4 lets you use any stock mono Bluetooth headphone or headset for making and taking headphone calls . With most late headsets , you’re able to use received single - button controls : press to answer or stop a call , double - press to redial the last issue , and press - time lag to activate Voice Control . If you have anA2DP - compatible headset or earpiece , you may also be capable to listen to non - phone audio frequency — in mono , of course .
Bluetooth stereo headphones and speaker : As with the previous two generation of iPhone and iPod touch framework , the iPhone 4 LET you utilise Bluetooth stereo headphone and speaker unit to listen to the phone ’s audio end product . In my testing with a number of stereo - Bluetooth accessories — earphone , speakers , and Belkin’sBluetooth Music Receiver — pair was quick and easy , and most audio frequency was routed through the headphones or speakers . However , as with the iPad , audio from the Skype app was n’t routed through the Bluetooth headphones or speaker . likewise , on Bluetooth headphones or speakers that include a mike for telephone set conversations , that microphone did n’t work in apps other than the Phone app .
Apple’s Component AV Cable
One issue I see , when listening to music at the gymnasium through either of two different Bluetooth headphones , was jerky audio cyclosis . I ’ve thus far hear delete all Bluetooth machine pairings and re - pairing just one or the other readiness of headphones , but I have n’t been able to eliminate the stutters and dropouts .
The iPhone 4 also continues to suffer the same Bluetooth limitation as premature Apple machine by not to the full supportingAVRCP(the Audio / Video Remote Control Profile ) , which is the Bluetooth feature of speech that lets you moderate playback using button on your Bluetooth phone or speakers . Whereas a good phone number of Bluetooth audio accessories admit buttons for skip tracks , and some even permit you graze your gimmick ’s menus , the iPhone 4 still supportsonly the most - basic AVRCP routine : gambol / interruption and stop . I was hoping iOS 4 or the iPhone 4 would in the end include this moderately basic functionality , but it ’s still missing . It looks like I ’ll have to extend to use the Bluetooth Helper app to control playback at the gym without feature to take my iPhone out of my pocket .
One change iOS 4didbring — to both the iPhone 4 and previous iPhone and iPod touch models — is the power to check Bluetooth playback volume using the iPhone ’s own control . ( You were antecedently limited to conform the mass level using your Bluetooth headphone or speaker system ’s own book controls . ) This change does mean that you now have to perform some level pair to detect the iPhone volume horizontal surface that give you the good range of loudness on your Bluetooth headphones or verbalizer , but it ’s a welcome trade-off . For exemplar , last class I test a set of Bluetooth headphones that I could n’t use because the headphones ’ scurvy volume level was still too tawdry . I can now reduce the iPhone ’s volume grade and employ those headphones comfortably .
Apple’s Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard
consign / power accessories : If the iPad ’s charging challenges had you grate about using your live power supplement with the iPhone 4 , rest wanton . The iPhone 4 has the same — or at least similar - enough — charge circuitry as the iPhone 3GS and recent iPod touch theoretical account . Which means that any wharf - connector charger or outside stamp battery that usesUSBpower should knead very well with the iPhone 4 . ( You may call back the brouhaha a few years back when Apple exchange to USB power for iPhone and iPod charging , rendering useless those sure-enough charger that sent index over FireWire pins . At this tip , I think few people are still trying to practice such older accessories , but I note this restriction here in the name of thoroughness . )
Altec Lansing ’s inMotion Classic
dock Speaker : “ Speaker docks”—those sound recording system that let in a commodious dock birthplace for your iPhone or iPod and that take hold of audio ( and possibly video ) while simultaneously charging the equipment — are among the most pop iPhone accessory . They ’re also among the most expensive , so they generate the most business about compatibility when Apple free fresh iPhones . The good news here is that if your dockage speaker system worked with the iPhone 3 G or 3GS , it should exploit delicately with the iPhone 4 ; if the scheme include playback controller , those controls should process as expected with the iPhone 4 .
Of course , as with previous iPhone role model , if your docking verbaliser arrangement does n’t frolic the official work With iPhone designation , there ’s a chance you could discover hindrance when your phone accesses the cellular net . For lesson , when you receive a call or when Mail checks for new e - chain mail , you could hear noise through the speakers . Connecting your iPhone 4 to a non - certified speaker organization will usually prompt a word of advice subject matter on the iPhone ’s screen , along with an offer to put the phone into Airplane Mode to void such noise . And , as with magnate accessories , if you ’ve got an older iPod dock that charge using the dock - connective larboard ’s FireWire circuitry , that dock wo n’t charge your iPhone 4 without an adaptor such asCableJive ’s Charge Converter .
If your scheme includes a dock cradle that use Apple’sUniversal Dockdesign , remark that Apple does n’t admit with the iPhone 4 the necessary dock cut-in for the phone to fit firmly in the dock . As with other recent iPhone theoretical account , you ’ll need to buy this dock arranger individually : Applesells a 3 - packfor $ 9 . It ’s a shame Apple does n’t just include an arranger with the iPhone .
Powered loudspeaker system and standard stereo systems : As with any audio gadget , you’re able to link up your iPhone 4 to a set of powered speaker or to your dwelling house stereophony system using stock audio cables . The drawback , of trend , is that you lose any on - speaker controls that require a dock connection , as well as the capacity to charge your iPhone while listening . You ’ll get the unspoiled sound quality by grabbing a line - point audio signal from the iPhone — for example , by using the sound - out jack on Apple’siPhone 4 DockorUniversal Dock(with the above - observe sour grass adapter ) , or using one ofSendStation ’s PocketDock adapter .
FM transmitter : If your only pick for getting audio into , say , your machine ’s stereoscopic picture is an FM transmitter , you ’ll get essentially the same solvent with the iPhone 4 as with previous iPhone models . Which is to say that performance will diverge wide bet on your localisation , the saturation of the airwave around you , your car ’s stereophonic , and seemingly unnumbered other constituent . In examine dock - connexion - base FM sender , my colleague Christopher Breen base that such add-on successfully grab audio from the iPhone ’s dock - connective port and , if the vector included USB - file capability , shoot the iPhone 4 . If you have a simpler FM vector that just plugs into the iPhone ’s headphone jack , it will also work , although it obviously wo n’t be capable to charge the speech sound .
If an FM transmitter is n’t Works - With - iPhone certified — and , truthfully , even if it is — you may live hinderance from the phone ’s wireless natural process .
Video - out accessory : The iPhone 4 appears to utilise video - end product circuitry like to that of the iPad . Which means that as long as you have a recent , Apple - certify video supplement — for example , Apple’sComposite AVorComponent AVcables , Apple’siPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter , or compatible third - political party cables and docks — you’ll be able-bodied to watch your iPhone 4 ’s video on a TV , projector , or other outside TV machine . ( A couple years back , Apple changed the video recording circuitry in the dock - connector porthole , so older video - out accessories wo n’t work with recent iPhones and iPods . )
Apple ’s Component AV Cable
However , as with the iPad , there are some significant restriction here . The biggest is that you ca n’t project everything you might see your iPhone ’s screen — only special apps provide television output , and that lean of apps is fairly short : the television modality of the iPod app , the slideshow mode of the Photos app , some video content display in Safari , and the YouTube app . ( Apple’ssupport written document about video outputalso lists the Keynote app , which is presently available only for the iPad . ) I assume that , as with the iPad , developers will be able to take reward of this feature of speech — for model , withthe iPhone version of the Netflix app — but for now your choices are limited .
The other restriction tie in to copy tribute and video - output resolving . When using the iPad Dock Connector To VGA Adapter , picture yield from the iPhone 4 is 1024 by 768 pixels with a 720p scan rate . However , because VGA does n’t supportHigh - bandwidth Digital Content Protection ( HDCP ) , you ca n’t watch iTunes - purchased HD videos using the VGA Adapter . The option is to either synchronise the non - HD versions of movies ( using the option in iTunes to do so ) to your iPhone , or use Apple ’s Composite or Component AV Cable . However , even the latter option is gimpy , as HD videos are shorten to 480i ( for the Composite cable television ) or 480p ( for the Component cable ) when output to a TV . As Jason Snellnoted in our iPhone 4 review , it ’s a shame that a machine that can deal HD video recording ca n’t display that video on a TV .
photographic camera connexion : Unfortunately , neither of Apple ’s accessories for transferring pic from your digital camera or memory card — theiPad Camera Connection Kitnor the older Camera Connector for iPod — influence with the iPhone 4 . Similarly , youcan’t habituate the iPad Camera Connection Kit to relate other USB gadget .
Interestingly , youcanuse the iPad Camera Connection Kit in the other direction — totransfer photosor movies from your iPhone 4toyour iPad .
Apple ’s Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard
Keyboards : Wait , what ? Yes , keyboard : The iPhone 4 has inherited the iPad ’s capability to plug into to an external keyboard — specifically , a Bluetooth keyboard or , withthe right adapter , the iPad Keyboard Dock — for drawn-out typewriting Roger Huntington Sessions . Check outour clause on using keyboard with the iPadfor more details , but the heart and soul is that any standard Bluetooth keyboard should be able-bodied to match with the iPhone and make marathon typewriting sessions easier . you may use the keyboard ’s arrow keys for navigating document and select textbook , and when using a Mac - compatible keyboard , you may even take advantage of editing shortcuts such as Command+C ( copy ) , Command+X ( cut ) , Command+V ( paste ) , Command+Z ( undo ) , and Shift+Command+Z ( redo ) , as well as alternative - key crosscut for typing diacritical characters . ( Some Cocoa / emacs edit shortcuts — for lesson , Control+A , Control+E , and Control+K — also figure out . )
Apple ’s Wireless Keyboard offers additional benefits . Besides being impressively thin and portable , Apple ’s keyboard sports smartness , playback , and volume contain that go with the iPhone .
Other accessories : We evidently have n’t been capable to examine every accessory out there , so there may be products that sour fine with the iPhone 3GS but do n’t cultivate with the iPhone 4 , and there may be accessories that are electrically and electronically compatible but that do n’t fitphysically . For example , several Macworld readers have told us that TomTom ’s iPhone Car Kit does n’t work with the iPhone 4 : at least one person reports that the iPhone 4 does n’t fit in the Car Kit ’s place of origin , while another claims it does gibe but that the iPhone does n’t recognize the Car Kit ’s circuitry .
