March 23, 2026
Teardown Reveals DAC in Lightning EarPods and Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter [Video]

Teardown Reveals DAC in Lightning EarPods and Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter [Video]

Posted September 21, 2016 at 2:49am by
A teardown of the new Lightning EarPods and Lightning to 3.5mm adapter by Tinhte reveals that they both contain a Digital to Analog Converter chip.

The chip in the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter is labelled 338S00140/A0MU1621/TW but it is from an unknown supplier. The chip in the EarPods Lightning connector is very similar with the marking 338S00140/A0QK1623/TW.


Take a look at a video of teardown below!


Add Comment
Would you like to be notified when someone replies or adds a new comment?
Yes (All Threads)
Yes (This Thread Only)
No
iClarified Icon
Notifications
Would you like to be notified when we post a new Apple news article or tutorial?
Yes
No
Comments (11)
Comments are closed for this article.
King Rollo
King Rollo - September 22, 2016 at 5:07am
Well of course... it wouldn't work otherwise..
Not a hater
Not a hater - September 21, 2016 at 6:36am
Chinese is such a strange language :D
Great!
Great! - September 21, 2016 at 7:06am
That ain't Chinese.
Not a Hater
Not a Hater - September 21, 2016 at 10:50pm
Who cares... it's strange :D
Itry2hide
Itry2hide - September 21, 2016 at 5:29am
I was going to buy one of those red da a that plugs and no the Lightning port. Maybe I'll try the apple .one first. I have a nice set o in ear phone from Sure and I really like them.
gamerscul9870
gamerscul9870 - September 21, 2016 at 4:56am
Not really. Do you see any DAC mention in the EarPods?
Nitro Junkie
Nitro Junkie - September 21, 2016 at 8:28pm
Hey Don. Do you get all your Apple news only from iclarified? Go to Appleinsider and look for the article in the last couple days about the DAC and then reply back.
gamerscul9870
gamerscul9870 - September 21, 2016 at 9:50pm
1. Yes. 2. I was reffering to the original EarPods.
bobTheBuilder29
bobTheBuilder29 - September 21, 2016 at 4:20am
Well duh there's a DAC in there. How else you going to get sound from a digital connector otherwise? What else can you teach me professor?
Phat Duong
Phat Duong - September 21, 2016 at 3:43am
wow they are using a state-of-the-art tools there...
Nitro Junkie
Nitro Junkie - September 21, 2016 at 8:31pm
Ya. Love the nail clippers.
Recent. Read the latest Apple News.
RECENT
Hackers Leak 'DarkSword' iPhone Exploit Used in Real Attacks
Hackers Leak 'DarkSword' iPhone Exploit Used in Real Attacks
Apple Sets WWDC26 for June 8-12, With Major AI Updates Expected
Apple Sets WWDC26 for June 8-12, With Major AI Updates Expected
Apple's Foldable iPhone May Use Dual-Layer Glass to Hide Screen Crease
Apple's Foldable iPhone May Use Dual-Layer Glass to Hide Screen Crease
Samsung Brings AirDrop Support to Galaxy S26 for iPhone File Sharing
Samsung Brings AirDrop Support to Galaxy S26 for iPhone File Sharing
Apple is Quietly Positioning John Ternus as Its Next CEO
Apple is Quietly Positioning John Ternus as Its Next CEO
More News
Tutorials. Help is here.
TUTORIALS
Where to Download macOS Tahoe
Where to Download HomePod Firmware Files From
AppleTV Firmware Download Locations
Where To Download iPad Firmware Files From
Where To Download iPhone Firmware Files From
More Tutorials
Deals. Save on Apple devices and accessories.
DEALS
Apple AirTag 4-Pack Drops to $59.99, Just $15 Per Tracker [Deal]
Apple AirTag 4-Pack Drops to $59.99, Just $15 Per Tracker [Deal]
AirPods Pro 3 Still $199.99 on Amazon ($50 Off) [Deal]
AirPods Pro 3 Still $199.99 on Amazon ($50 Off) [Deal]
AirPods Pro 3 Drop to $209.99 on Amazon ($40 Off) [Deal]
AirPods Pro 3 Drop to $209.99 on Amazon ($40 Off) [Deal]
Apple AirTag (1st Gen) 4-Pack Falls to $64 on Amazon [Deal]
Apple AirTag (1st Gen) 4-Pack Falls to $64 on Amazon [Deal]
Apple's New M5 MacBook Air Drops to $1,049 in Early Amazon Sale [Deal]
Apple's New M5 MacBook Air Drops to $1,049 in Early Amazon Sale [Deal]
More Deals