I take a lot of the things for granted on my iPhone, since I’ve been using one since the original was released back in 2007. Apple released the iPhone, which many call the iPhone 2G, along with an Apple branded Bluetooth headset. That headset didn’t last very long and it was ultimately abandoned by Apple and replaced by third-party alternatives.
Therefore, although Apple abandoned the headset market iOS retained the support that Apple baked into each Bluetooth headset they made. That support allows my iPhone 4 to display the mysterious symbol that a fair number of readers comment about on my posts. So what is it?
The symbol that some of you (see comments) find so mysterious is shaped like Apple’s Bluetooth headset and it indicates the battery level of the Jawbone headset that I use with my iPhone 4. Apple includes support in iOS to monitor the battery life of Bluetooth headsets that support this option.
I don’t have a comprehensive list of headsets that support this option. So if you are interested in using this feature on your iPhone I suggest you check with the manufacturer of any headset you are considering. They will be able to tell you whether or not their product supports the Bluetooth battery level indicator before you purchase it.
In the meantime if you have a Bluetooth headset that supports this iOS feature kindly share that information with everyone by leaving a comment about it.
David W. Martin has more than 20 years of experience in the industry as a programmer, systems and business analyst, author, and consultant. David has written for CNET’s iPhoneatlas.com, MacLife.com, CultofMac.com, BYTE.com and recently for aNewDoman.net. He comes to Cult of Mac’s website with deep knowledge and passion for the all things Apple. Follow David on Twitter @david_w_martin or see what he’s up to now at davidwmartin.com.
43 responses to “Readers Ask I Answer: What Is That Mysterious Symbol On Your iPhone?”
Voyager Pro Plus
According to i.Tech, there will be four headset models from the company to sport this feature–the Clip Music 802, Voice Clip 604, Clip Naro 601 and Clip II Mini 606. http://asia.cnet.com/crave/ite…
Plantronics M100i Bluetooth Headset with Battery Meter for iPhonehttp://www.accessoryjack…
The Plantronics M100 also supports this feature.
My Plantronics headset shows up with that symbol. It is great to be able to measure it’s battery life.
Jawbone jambox
Jawbone era
That original Apple headset wasn’t all that powerful, but I loved it because of it’s small size and simplicity. Sadly, I lost it after Apple had already discontinued it.
I have an iPhone headset and it does not work very well. Apple replaced a couple of them for me before the warranty ended and this one is useless because the sound is about half of what it needs to be. This symbol shows up when the iPhone headset is connected but not on my Jawbone. Apple did well to discontinue it. It is the worst thing I’ve ever bought from them.
I think I’m one of the few people in the world who got an Apple Headset that works. I got the headset back when it was first released, and I still use it to this day when I’m in the car. It’s been one of the best bluetooth headsets I’ve owned (and I’ve had a good few of them) The only thing that sucks with iOS 4 + is that when you have the iPhone + Headset Dock that apple released back in the day (it was a usb dock that also had a slot for the headset to charge) the headset would show up on your charge screen with the iPhone battery.. to show you how it’s charging.. but with iOS 4 they got rid of the charge screen.. still have the task bar icon you mention.. but no dock icon… what i’m talking about is in the image attached (the photo is with a iPhone 3gs though..
That symbol appears for the Jawbone range of headsets. :o) And it’s officially supported.
Hi everybody i have this bluetooth headphones, i remember that your price was 90 dollars but the signal, was too bad. HoweverI have even….
this icon is present also with headphones Jabra (Stone2: http://www.accessoweb.com/Jabr… ) and also with the Jabra headset (Freeway)
There is an icon that appears on my iPhone and it looks like a little phone symbol. What is it?
my plantroics Backbeats 903+ displays the battery leave too
Still have my Apple headset from when it first went on sale.
Really nice wallpaper :D
i have one as well, and love it. i don’t have the dock any more, but i do have the iphone cable with the additional charging hole for the head-set
I have the original, genuine, Apple BT headset.
Plantronics Savor M1100 also…
i got one iPhone
headsets Bluetooth, and its amazing. saves me from those troubling wires.
Blue ant Q2 shows battery life