iPhone headphones can control iTunes (Updated)
26. Oct, 2009 
11 Comments
If you plug a pair of iPhone headphones into any Mac running at least 10.5 Leopard and iTunes 8, the play/pause and volume buttons on the headphone clicker will control iTunes.
Update: Commenters are correct in pointing out that this only works on very recent Macs, and possibly only unibody MacBooks and newer. I’d love to hear confirmation one way or the other from owners of recent iMacs and even Mac Pros.
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There are hardware limitations. I believe only unibody MacBooks and newer.
Confirming what Mike said: Only newer Mac's have this function.
If it helps …
My 13″ MBP does it but also with the Griffin SmartTalk remote control thingy (basically it lets you plug your own headphones into a mic/remote combo – http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/smart...). And it's recognised as a microphone. I know that it doesn't work as a mike on an older white 13″ MacBook (even when plugged into the line-in).
does not work at all on spring '09 mac mini
does not work at all on spring '09 mac mini
The iPhone headphones remote can also be used to control Quicktime Player.
Yes, and as mentioned the iphone headset has the integrated mic is detected as “External microphone”. Since it's closer to your mouth the sound is *better for ichat/skype calls.
*better noise cancelation and less room sound
It works on my Early 2009 iMac.
At a minimum, the audio jack on the laptop will need to support the three-conductor plug that the iPhone’s headphones use (two for the earbuds, one for the microphone).