November 24, 2024, 11:01 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Tech giant Apple has quietly and secretly removed an important adapter from its range. TECHBOOK explains the details and the consequences for customers.
With the introduction of the iPhone 15 in fall 2023, Apple transitioned from its proprietary Lightning connector to the standardized USB-C ports. Since then, all new Apple devices have been equipped with USB-C, including AirPods, iPads, and, of course, iPhones. Seven years earlier, in September 2016, Apple also unveiled the iPhone 7, its first smartphone without a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Since then, users have needed headphones with either a different connection or an adapter. But this is now a thing of the past.
Accessories suddenly “sold out”
There was a huge outcry in 2016 when Apple banned the jack connection from its iPhones. Since then, smartphones have only had one connection; until 2023, this was Lightning. Since then, many have made do with an adapter, jack to Lightning, which recently cost an additional 10 euros. However, this solution will also be phased out in the future. As the always well-informed portal Macrumors reported, Apple is currently removing all corresponding adapters from its stores.
As of now, the store page in Germany has also been affected. Anyone trying to add the Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter to their shopping cart will find that the option has been blocked. Collection from a store is also not possible; the item is listed as “sold out.”
Macrumors compares the procedure with that of the Apple USB Super Drive at the beginning of the year. Since then, the CD drive with USB-A connection has been considered sold out everywhere, but it is still displayed in the store. This time, the starting point was the USA.
Consequences of the discontinued sale of Lightning adapters
The adapter allowed users of iPhone models with a Lightning port to continue using their wired headphones with a 3.5 mm jack, which are widely available. These are still popular as they are compatible with many devices. The fact that the adapters are no longer available for sale from Apple suggests that the company has stopped production altogether in the background.
Users who are considering buying the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, or iPhone SE (3rd generation) should bear this in mind. These are the three smartphones currently on sale that still feature the Lightning port instead of USB-C. Some older models can still be purchased from third-party retailers.
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The following iPhones are affected, a total of 25 models:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone X
- iPhone Xr
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone Xs Max
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus