How to Use an iPhone on an Old Bose Speaker Station

By Anthony Oster

A stereo to stereo auxiliary cable can connect your iPhone to any speaker station with a microphone jack.
i Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Bose is a leader in speaker technology, due in part to their proprietary speaker design that amplifies sound through the speaker chamber, much like a flute amplifies a small breath of air into a vibrant timbre. While current Bose speaker stations, such as the SoundDock II or SoundDock for iPod have built-in iPod and iPhone docks, you may connect your iPhone to any Bose speaker system that has an auxiliary input function to listen to your favorite music in vibrant clarity.

Connecting to Docking Models

Step 1

Plug your Bose system into a power supply, then press and release the dock frame on the front of your Bose system to open the iPhone dock.

Step 2

Insert the docking connector into the sync/charge port on the bottom of your iPhone. Bose speaker systems with a built-in dock are installed with Apple's old 30-pin dock, but adapters for other docking types, including the new iPhone 5 standard, are available for purchase from Bose.

Step 3

Launch the Music app from your iPhone, and select a file or playlist to play through your Bose docking speaker system. Your iPhone will charge while connected to the docking station.

Connecting to a Bose Speaker Station Without a Dock

Step 1

Plug your Bose system into a power supply, then press the "On/Off" button on your system or remote to turn it on.

Step 2

Insert one end of the auxiliary audio cable into the jack on the Bose system's body marked "Auxiliary In." Then insert the other end of the cable into your iPhone's "Headphone" jack.

Step 3

Press the "Aux" button on your Bose remote or the front panel of your speaker system to select the iPhone as your primary audio source.

Step 4

Launch the Music app from your iPhone. Then select a file or playlist to begin playback.

×