Existing users, 
Dozens of accessories don’t work with the iPhone 3G
Posted 14 July 2008 @ 10am in Guides/How-Tos, News
A huge swath of accessories that were compatible with the first-generation are not compatible with the iPhone 3G, either failing to charge the device or losing functionality completely.
iPhone Atlas reader Carson’s case is exemplary:
“I upgraded form the first generation iPhone to the 3G iPhone and noticed that it does not work with all my accessories.
- Doesn’t work with the iPod AUX connector in my car, a $350 adaptor
- Doesn’t work with the Monster Cable FM tuner
- Doesn’t work with the cigarette power adaptor
Charging The most common problem is one in which various accessories fail to charge the iPhone 3G. The explanation for this issue is as follows: most accessories on the market charge iPods/iPhones through either USB or a 12V connection that works through the FireWire portion of the pin connector. The latter method is cheaper, and hence more common. Apple has removed 12V (FireWire) charging from the iPhone 3G; this means that these devices are no longer able to deliver a charge. As such, some accessories will still perform their intended function, but fail to charge the iPhone.
Audio/video connectivity The iPhone 3G is also not capable of pushing audio through some previously compatible devices. This is apparently because of a new sensing mechanism that obviates functionality of non-compliant devices.
Incopmatible or partially incompatible (unable to charge) devices include:
- Monster FM tuner
- Monster car charger
- BOSE SoundDock
- Dension ICE
- OEM iPod Connection Kit for several cars (Mazda 3, Scion XB, Audi)
- Sony XA-110IP iPod Interface Adapter
If you’ve experienced incompatibility with a specific accessory, please let us know.
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7 Comments
Posted by da_bombdiggidy
14 July 2008 @ 11am
I tried on the iPod HiFi by Apple and it wouldn’t charge. I also tried buying a Belkin car charger and it didn’t work either. This is really frustrating. So is this a complete hardware issue or can a fix be done through firmware?
Small note too: my dock connecter cable that came with my iPhone was extremely tight and hardly fit inside. Be nice to use other power options. Luckily my video iPod cable works fine.
Posted by shetaan819
14 July 2008 @ 1pm
Just fyi, the Altec Lansing iMotion speakers do work with the new 3G iPhone….i can’t believe Monster is on that list, with the outrageous prices they charge there shouldn’t be anything cheap about their charging products.
Posted by jhersco
14 July 2008 @ 2pm
This quote from the Griffin Technology website claims exactly the opposite regarding USB vs. Firewire charging: “The 3rd Generation iPods are only compatible with FireWire chargers, such as the Griffin PowerPod. The PowerJolt is a USB charger, and is compatible with most USB charging MP3 players and devices.” Confused. I am.
Posted by jhersco
14 July 2008 @ 2pm
Sorry for the above post. The quote was for iPods, not iPhones. I missed that completely. You cansafely ignore the comment.
jhersco
Posted by neonmarg_dotmac
15 July 2008 @ 5am
The Belkin Auto Kit for iPod w/ Dock Connector that has the handy audio jack in the lighter plug does not work. Not thrilled, as I have in both cars and they were $40 each… and worse I have not found any replacement currently available. Old iPhone worked fine with this cable.
Posted by mm0001
15 July 2008 @ 6am
@da_bombdiggidy
You said the iPhone 3G doesnt charge with the Apple Hifi, but does it play music or not?
As i have a Apple Hifi and i am planing to buy a iPhone 3g this would be very interesting for me.
By the way, it is an hardware issue and can´t be fixed by the firmware. Apple has changed the pins of the Dock Connector a little.
Posted by rickkarrer_dotmac
16 July 2008 @ 4am
I have the iLuv i202 wireless bluetooth headset [http://www.i-luv.com/iLuv/product_info.php?cPath=74&products_id=303]. I can hear people and music perfectly, but for some reason they can’t hear me. The headset works with my old Razr with no problem so I know they’re not defective. The i202 supports the original iPhone. I’m sending them an email today to see if they know about this issue.