MacBook Pro – Bose QuietComfort 15 Inline Microphone Compatibility with Mid-2011 MacBook Air

compatibilitymacbook promicrophone

The BOSE headphones come with a cable that has a remote/microphone. The BOSE website and even the box says:

The QuietComfort 15 inline remote and microphone cable is compatible
with iPod nano (4th, 5th and 6th generation), iPod classic (120GB,
160GB only), iPod touch (2nd, 3rd and 4th generation), iPhone 3GS,
iPhone 4, iPad and iPad 2, and Macbook (unibody) and Macbook Pro. The
remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation). Audio is
supported by all iPod models. Requires latest iPod software.

Although it doesn't specifically mention a Macbook Air, one would believe that the machines are using similar technology, but since it's not mentioned, I cannot be sure. I'm ready to go to an Apple store, buy it, test it and if it doesn't work, then return it right there, but perhaps someone can save me the trouble. I'm looking to use Skype (and similar) apps.

Does anyone has first hand experience with this combination and can confirm if the BOSE's inline-microphone will work when plugged into a Mid-2011 Macbook Air audio plug?

UPDATE: I tested this in the Appstore with my Macbook Air and it works, despite the models (air) not being shown in the package description. It appears as "external microphone" (replacing the internal, so you cannot switch between the internal mic and this).

Best Answer

I have a 2011 MacBook Air 13" and I can confirm that the microphone on the original iPhone 4 headphones works when plugged into my Air. They show up as "External Microphone" in System Preferences.

I think that with a Y cable, one could use normal headsets which come with two plugs. There are overpriced Y cables available for recording apps on the iPhone, but I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives.

Note that the MacBooks (also Pro) all have two jacks, one combined for analog/digital out, one for line in. Later, the analog/digital out jack was replaced with analog/digital out, analog in like on the iPhone, but the microphone jack remained. I'm not sure about the current MacBook Pro, but my 2008 unibody MacBook still had two jacks, even though line in was available on the headphone jack, too.

So, regarding your Q: I'm reasonably sure the Bose headphones will work with your Air.