Apple has officially stopped manufacturing and selling the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter - a product first introduced in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7.
This is the time when Apple controversially removed the traditional headphone jack on new iPhone models. Initially, this adapter was included with the device so users could use standard wired headphones, but from the iPhone XS and XR onwards, users had to buy it separately for $9.
The adapter is currently “out of stock” on Apple’s online store in the US and many other countries, a clear sign that the product has been discontinued. However, it is still available in some European markets, including France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
The decision comes as Apple transitions to USB-C on new devices like the iPhone 15. The company now offers a new USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to go with the new lineup.
iPhone 14 and older iPhone users are advised to purchase a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter from third-party retailers before the product completely disappears from the market.
The decision marks a strategic move by Apple, affirming its commitment to the USB-C ecosystem and moving towards a unified connection standard that meets new European regulations. However, for those still using older iPhones, the lack of compatible accessories could be a challenge in the near future.
