Featured Image Credit: Apple
Even though Apple keeps us well-fed with yearly rollouts of a new iPhone and multiple iOS updates, the tech giant sometimes drops the ball. And for anyone who knows how easy it is to smash an iPhone screen, they'll know dropping anything Apple isn't a good idea.
As Apple continues to innovate, there comes the inevitable discontinuation of older tech - sent to that electronics graveyard alongside the iBook, iPod, and the iPod Hi-Fi.
With iPhones moving at a 'lightning' pace, it's hard to keep up with the accessories we need. Annoyingly, the iPhone 16 doesn't even come with a plug in the box anymore. However, as Apple is forced to conform to the norm and introduce USB-C chargers, things are supposedly getting a little easier.
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That's all well and good if you have the latest model, but what about an iPhone 14 or earlier? After all, Apple's hidden refurbished section is full of iPhone 14s.
Now, there are worries that Apple has quietly removed its 3.5mm Lightning To Headphone Jack Adapter from sale.
Introduced in 2012 alongside the iPhone 5, the Lightning cable became standard until legislation to standardize charging ports was passed in 2022. The iPhone 15 range became the first to boast USB-C charging ports, although we were warned all Lightning accessories would be transitioned by 2025.
If you're in the market for a new Lightning To Headphone Jack Adapter, you might be out of luck. The accessory is no longer available on US or UK Apple sites, although it's reportedly still floating around on the likes of the France and Sweden sites. Be warned, as panicked customers try to nab an adapter, these stocks are expected to dry up pretty quickly.
The adapter was originally included for free in the box of the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X ranges, but since the iPhone XS, you've had to buy it (typically for $9) from Apple.
RIP Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
— dead tech (@deadtechthings) November 17, 2024
September 2016 - November 2024 pic.twitter.com/ErPUugHm8p
As the iPhone 7 was the first iPhone to abandon the 35mm aux jack for the Lightning cable, it caused quite a stir at the time. Still, after eight years of precious memories, this one stings a bit.
Mourning the loss of the adapter (yes, that's really a thing), users on X had differing thoughts on the situation.
Pointing out an obvious solution, one critic wrote: "You can still buy these off branded. And it’s being discontinued because no one needs them anymore."
Another added: "It was trash anyway. Third-party variants are much more reliable."
Someone else joked: "Still have mine, selling for $700. Never used. 👍🏼" - seemingly poking fun at the market for obsolete Apple tech.
With Apple announcing that it's stopping manufacturing the iPhone 13, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, they'll all be joining the Lightning Headphone Jack Adapter. Well, at least there are plenty on the second-hand market.
