EarPods (Lightning) (2016)
Apple announced EarPods (Lightning) on September 7,2016 alongside iPhone 7. The release listed$29 separately and included them with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus along with a Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter. That inclusion belongs to the 2016 package, not all later iPhones.

Original schematic recreation, not a photograph or scale drawing; connector Lightning. dimensionapple.com.
Original schematic recreation, not a photograph or scale drawing; connector Lightning. dimensionapple.com.
Specs
| Announcement | 2016-09-07 |
| Initial US price | 29 USD ·USlaunch |
| Connector | Lightning |
| Type | Wired earphones |
| Controls | Volume,playback,calls |
| Requirements | Lightning ·iOS 10+ |
| In the box | EarPods (Lightning) |
| Limits | Device/software compatibility applies |
| Remote | Integrated into cable |
| Calls | Answer and end |
| Care | Soft dry cloth; no running water |
| Image | Schematic recreation, not photograph |
Launch and package
Apple announced EarPods (Lightning) on September 7,2016 alongside iPhone 7. The release listed$29 separately and included them with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus along with a Lightning-to-3.5 mm adapter. That inclusion belongs to the 2016 package, not all later iPhones.
Connection and requirements
Wired earphones with an integrated remote for volume, playback and calls, not Bluetooth AirPods with a case or battery charging. The identifying change is Lightning rather than 3.5 mm. Apple Support requires a LightningiPhone,iPad or iPod touch with iOS 10 or later; excludes iPod nano and iOS 9 or earlier. Direct USB-C compatibility is not assumed merely because it is newer.
Apple’s claims
Apple describes an ear-geometry design, bass and protection from sweat and water. These are manufacturer statements: the checked sources do not provide an IP rating, clinical benefit, active cancellation or measured acoustic improvement over other EarPods. No impedance, frequency response, weight or codec is invented where Apple does not publish it on these pages. Connection and compatibility do not establish that a different port always improves sound.
Relation and illustration
The 2012 3.5 mm entry remains a separate product. The 3.5 mm comparison shows the connection change, not replacement of every wired headphone. The permanently labeled illustration is an original schematic recreation of earbuds,cable, remote and plug, not a photograph or to-scale teardown. Apple’s cleaning advice says not to run them under water and to use a soft dry cloth; “protection” is not permission to wash them under a tap.