iPhone and iPod accessories: what works, what doesn't

In addition to documenting every last swoop of the iPhone's interface, we've also been busy plugging this thing into anything we can find with a 30-pin dock connector. The results are actually kind of surprising: while it looks like a bunch of third-party headphones are out, most iPod accessories seem to work, although the iPhone isn't exactly happy about it -- it pops up a warning and offers to put itself in airplane mode so you don't hose your speakers with GSM signal noise. Ah, so that's what that patent application was for. Click on for a list of what we've found, and let us know how you're doing in the comments.

Gallery: iPhone / iPod Accessories

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Works:
Most chargers we tried: Monster iCharger, Belkin Auto Kit, some cheap-o thing we bought overseas
Apple iPod docks: trigger the airplane mode warning but charge and sync just fine
Apple FireWire iPod cable: doesn't sync or bring up any warnings, but charges fine
Altec Lansing inMotion iM3 speakers: some radio hiss, but it works fine and the remote functions
Bose SoundDock: some radio hiss
Pioneer VXS-82TXS receiver with iPod control -- lots of hiss, but everything works just fine

Doesn't Work
Anything that requires video-out, like the Phillips DCP-850 portable DVD player / video iPod player
Xbox 360 (shocking, we know)

[Whackmushrooms @ Jul 1st 2007 8:41AM]

my sony ipod car stereo connection says this but still works. calls are answered but via speakerphone.

[Lucas @ Jul 1st 2007 9:02AM]

I wonder if external battery packs for ipods would work with this to keep it juiced

[Joe Kalicki @ Jul 1st 2007 6:18PM]

Yea, I bought a bunch of those when they were on sale, and I'd like to keep my my iPhone fairly juiced after a plane or car ride.

[Craig @ Jul 1st 2007 9:14AM]

Lol, I read the iPod dock wrong as socks and thought wtf??? Imagine if putting on the socks caused loads of problems!

[John Kuhn @ Jul 1st 2007 9:15AM]

what about the ipod radio remote?

[wahoo scott @ Jul 1st 2007 11:33AM]

2nd. i definitely want to know if you can use it as a remote (for ipod and phone use) and add your own headphones.

[abes @ Jul 1st 2007 12:07PM]

Nope, unfortunately not. I tried plugging my in, and it says it's not iPhone compatible. I only hope that it's just a matter of them eventually adding support. Of course, the radio control needed a special interface/screen (i.e. they'd need to write another app), so I'm not holding my breath. Which is too bad, since it was somewhat pricey.

[gman @ Jul 1st 2007 9:16AM]

i have a scion tC with iPod connectivity -anyone try theirs with the iPhone?

[mcornett @ Jul 1st 2007 10:00AM]

My Scion (2006) docking option works. I can even use the other functions simultaneously, but the phone may work on speaker or BT only.
I ignored the airplane mode warning to use the network functionality.

[Matt @ Jul 1st 2007 9:17AM]

Hmm.. FM transmitter?

[PaulW @ Jul 1st 2007 9:23AM]

iTrip???

[mrobin604 @ Jul 4th 2007 2:49PM]

Not mine :(

[Glazun @ Jul 1st 2007 9:23AM]

Anyone know if apple plan to make ipods using touch screen? I'd rather that than an iPhone..

[Deepthroat @ Jul 1st 2007 9:43PM]

No Jobs told me the ipod will be discontinued!!!!

[Geoffrey Sperl @ Jul 1st 2007 6:52PM]

I think you just saw the touchscreen iPod be released.

Give it a few months - a widescreen iPod with, with touch, will probably soon be here.

How much do you want to bet there will be a virtual scroll wheel? ;)

[Todd Evans @ Jul 1st 2007 9:24AM]

does the nike thing work?

[Greg @ Jul 1st 2007 9:24AM]

The dock connector to 3.5mm audio cable does NOT work.

[shelley @ Jul 1st 2007 9:40AM]

My monster icarplay didn't work.

[Grackle @ Jul 1st 2007 9:46AM]

Were the ones that hissed tested in airplane mode?

[Ig @ Jul 1st 2007 9:54AM]

iHome is a go, it charges and even plays music.

[Mike Strutton @ Jul 1st 2007 4:50PM]

As previously mentioned, iHome does work. But there is a pop-up warning, and interference (during incoming calls). Also, it seemes that if you answered the phone, while docked and playing in the iHome, it acted like a speakerphone (with tons of feedback). Maybe a next rev of iHome will offer better integration (including an answer button with speakerphone)....

[Whackmushrooms @ Jul 1st 2007 10:01AM]

oh brother ... just walk into an att store today and ask yourself.

[ryanrit @ Jul 1st 2007 10:03AM]

Nike device does NOT work. My guess is they will make a new shoe insert to take advantage of the built-in bluetooth.

[RoCKSTaH226 @ Jul 2nd 2007 5:10PM]

I doubt it. The iPod lineup has built needs for each one. The Regular iPod is for people who want an entire music library in a portable MP3 player, the iPod nano is mostly for working out stuff (hence the only one to have Nike+), and the Shuffle is the cheapo version to compete with other very low pricepoints. If marketed effectively, Apple is trying to make it so that you want to buy one of each for each separate reason. It's really a matter of opinion whether or not you believe that they'd sell more if they added Nike+ to all, or if they'd sell more by trying to get someone to buy 2 different iPods... I could see Apple and Nike working on something for the iPhone, but really it's more logical to see that coming in a iPhone 2... which hopefully will have GPS and stereo bluetooth. wow... can you just imagine what an incredible piece that would be? sick.

[Ben @ Jul 1st 2007 10:03AM]

My Belkin car charger works to charge, but the line out does not work, so no audio in my car. To make matters worse the "works with iPhone" car charger doesn't include a line out.

[cfxram @ Jul 2nd 2007 2:01AM]

The belkin charger works but you must make sure the phone is unlocked and in iPod mode before plugging it in. You will receive the standard airplane mode question but it will work.

[Picasosz @ Jul 1st 2007 10:24AM]

I have the Viewsonic Monitor with ipod dock does not work will not sync or charge. Due to no coverage at my location I returned iphone to Aplle store. They gave me a full refund no 10% Restocking fee. But I did have to pay an ETF through Verizon because I ported a number.

[peshue @ Jul 1st 2007 10:24AM]

Sorry to beat a dead horse, but thanks for posting iphone news that's actually relevant. Not more pictures or video walkthrus.

[Tim O. @ Jul 1st 2007 10:25AM]

How about the 'Apple iPod Camera Connector?'

Or my Kensington Pico FM Transmitter?

I'd try it out myself if my iphone would activate...

[Michael Fisher @ Jul 1st 2007 12:05PM]

No dice.
The iPod Camera Connector doesn't work when connected to the iPhone.

[reuben @ Jul 1st 2007 10:30AM]

does it fit/work in the apple hi fi? i'm not home right now to check!

[James @ Jul 1st 2007 10:34AM]

Buried.

[styson @ Jul 1st 2007 10:36AM]

The Nike Workout accessory does not work.

[Chris McDowell @ Jul 1st 2007 10:41AM]

My Alpine deck with the docking cable worked fine. I did not put it in airplane mode and I got 0 noise from the system. I have a previous generation alpine deck. They just released a new line a few months ago.

[Jimmy Sieben @ Jul 1st 2007 10:45AM]

What happens when a call comes in while docked? I also have the KCA420i and wonder what the day to day experience will be like.

[bento-san @ Jul 1st 2007 10:51AM]

what about the apple ipod hi-fi?

[elmapache @ Jul 1st 2007 12:14PM]

the ipod hi-fi doesn't work... hopefully they can fix that soon.

[Paul @ Jul 26th 2007 10:10PM]

The iPhone + Hi-Fi works fine. I'm using mine right now.

[Jamar @ Jul 1st 2007 11:03AM]

Better yet, just avoid the iPhone. I mean, it's GSM- why does it need to be activated?

[steven mahoney Sr @ Jul 1st 2007 11:30AM]

I have a 2007 VW Rabbit with the iPod dock in the armrest, the iPhone works and when you recieve a call the phone rings throught the speakers in the car very nice.

[Shin Zearim @ Jul 1st 2007 11:30AM]

What?? Just type in iphone into google I am sure you will find what you need.

[halfeatenfish @ Jul 1st 2007 11:34AM]

Am I the only one that is driven completely crazy by "digg-activism?" I used to like digg, but now I avoid it.

Note to iphone news haters: see that? if you don't like it, don't watch it...

[Jim @ Jul 1st 2007 11:39AM]

I connected mine to just about every speaker accessory that Target had out yesterday. It fit fine in just about every one. It gave the warning about RF interference, but i let it play some music and it sound good. Of course, I didn't receive a phone call at the time, so i didn't hear any interference.

[LMidnight @ Jul 1st 2007 11:40AM]

No dice on the Apple Radio Remote. Just gave it a try. I thought I'd read it worked... Oh, well. Maybe it's a software issue.

[phate @ Jul 1st 2007 11:42AM]

What about the Logitech Bluetooth adapter? or the Jabra one? Any luck with ANY bluetooth A2DP adapters?

[phate @ Jul 1st 2007 11:44AM]

WTF didnt they include A2DP in the first place!?!

[Sardonic Bastard @ Jul 1st 2007 11:52AM]

I can confirm that the Pioneer CD-IB100 ipod interface works with the iphone. It gives the same error message, but works perfectly regardless.

[tjd2003 @ Jul 2nd 2007 10:37PM]

Do you have to disable the phone dialing feature before it will work with the cd-ib100? I have a cd-ib100ii and i'm thinking about getting an iphone, so i'd like to know how it works. Thanks

[ZekeCee @ Jul 3rd 2007 9:28AM]

What error message are you referring to?
Thanks

[Sardonic Bastard @ Jul 3rd 2007 4:47PM]

I was referring to the "this accessory is not designed for use with the iphone" message. I did not put the phone into airplane mode before testing it, and it worked great. It was actually faster than my 30gb 4G ipod when browsing through the music, too!