Apple may discontinue the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter
By ForGeeks The Lightning to 3.5mm adapter for wired headphones, introduced in 2016, may soon disappear from Apple’s lineup (according to MacRumors). This accessory was first released with the iPhone 7, which was the company’s first smartphone without a headphone jack. In order to use wired headphones other than the included Lightning EarPods, users needed this adapter.
Wired EarPods.
History of the Lightning adapter
On the launch of the iPhone 7, 8, and X, the adapter was included in the box. However, starting with the iPhone XS and XR, Apple removed it from the box, offering users the option to purchase it separately for $9.
Now that newer iPhones use the USB-C connector, Apple continues to produce a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for iPhone 15 and newer models. But owners of iPhone 14 and earlier models should hurry: the Lightning adapter may soon disappear from the market.
The Lightning adapter may not be available anytime soon.
Signs of Production Ending
The adapter is already listed on Apple’s website as “sold out” in the US and most countries, which could be a sign of its imminent discontinuation. A similar situation was previously seen with the USB SuperDrive, which was first sold out and then quietly withdrawn from sale.
The adapter is still available in some European countries such as France, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
User Alternatives
There will remain third-party Apple-certified (MFi) accessories on the market. However, if you want to buy an original Apple adapter, there’s less and less time left. The adapter is no longer available on Amazon, but you can still find it at Best Buy for just under the original price of $9.
The adapter is not available on Amazon, but you can still find it at Best Buy.
