Apple Seemingly Discontinuing Lightning to Headphone Jack Adapter Introduced Alongside iPhone 7

[MacRumors]

It appears that Apple is discontinuing the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter that it released alongside the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in 2016.

The adapter was recently listed as "sold out" on Apple's online store in the U.S. and most other countries, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The adapter remains available from Apple in only a handful of countries, such as France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, but likely only until remaining inventory is depleted. The same situation played out with the SuperDrive earlier this year, with the USB-powered CD drive selling out on Apple's online store first in the U.S. and eventually worldwide.

Apple included the adapter in the box with all iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X models at no additional cost, but all models since the iPhone XS have not come with one. Apple continued to sell the adapter on its online store, with U.S. pricing set at $9, but it appears that the accessory is on its way out after an eight-year run.

The adapter allows users to connect wired headphones with a 3.5mm plug to iPhone models without a headphone jack via the Lightning port. However, the only iPhone models with Lightning ports that Apple still sells new are the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE, and all three of those devices are expected to be discontinued next year. All of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models are equipped with USB-C ports, and Apple continues to sell a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.

Alongside the wireless AirPods lineup, Apple continues to sell wired EarPods in USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm headphone plug variations.

Update: Various other Lightning adapters and cables are sold out on Apple's online store in some countries. In the U.S., this includes the Lightning to VGA adapter for home delivery.

Article Link: Apple Seemingly Discontinuing Lightning to Headphone Jack Adapter Introduced Alongside iPhone 7

 

[Isentropic]

But this is such a useful accessory, especially since many iPhones still have lightning.

 

[SanderEvers]

See this is why I don't like dongles / adapters. Luckily USB-C 3.5mm adapters are quite plentiful.

 

[klasma]

I wonder if chaining the Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter with the USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter would work. And then add the iPhone to TTY adapter so that I can still use my teletype.

 

[grantishere]

I guess I'll have to get a 3rd party cable for my AirPods Max once the adapter brea- oh wait

 

[Sirious]

There was something else that was selling out and then stocks reappeared. Hoping it's the case here. I think they wouldn't get rid of the adapter just because they just sell USB-C iPhones now...

 

[victorvictoria]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

 

[rafark]

But this is such a useful accessory, especially since many iPhones still have lightning.

Literally hundreds of millions in the whole world. Probably over a billion.

 

[chas_m]

I haven't used wired headphones with my iPhone since 2022, when I bought the remarkable AirPods Pro. That said, my iPhone 12 still uses Lightning, so I'll check my drawer to see if I still have an adapter in case I want to use wired. The adapter is still available at my local third-party Apple reseller store, so I have a source if I don't already have one.

 

[zakarhino]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Yes, AirPods are about 100 miles away from matching the quality of really great IEMs or over ears

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Yes, in EVERY opportunity where I can because wired offers superior audio quality vs. "the future" option, even in 2024... and is far more ubiquitous (still) in 2024... and doesn't conk because of battery drain... and the wire tends to help salvage any accidental fall from ear/head... no latency/easy sharing/etc.

AirPods Pro bought only a couple of years ago is already battery dead. Free wired Apple buds included with Apple tech a decade+ ago still work fine. Wired headphones purchased 2 decades+ ago still work fine. One set of wired headphones owned for at least 4 decades still work fine.

Hopefully, "the future" gets there... someday... but I suspect we all learned a lesson that "forcing" change doesn't guarantee actual change... unless change is measured in how much MORE flows OUT of our wallets... instead of getting to use product already owned. 💰💰💰

 

[dannyyankou]

But this is such a useful accessory, especially since many iPhones still have lightning.

And there is no shortage of third party adapters on Amazon. Anker is a reputable brand that makes one.

 

[yabeweb]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

I do.

 

[Sirious]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Yes still use EarPods when I forget my AirPods at home or just want to switch it up!

 

[Sirious]

And there is no shortage of third party adapters on Amazon. Anker is a reputable brand that makes one.

Agreed, but I found the Apple one most reliable for some reason.

 

[ignatius345]

Actually re-bought wired EarPods in USB-C when I got my iPhone 15 Pro. I keep them in my charging kit as a backup in case my AirPods die. They also happen to have really good phone call mic quality.

 

[B4U]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Yes.
Try playing rhythm games using Bluetooth headphones and see the sync issues.

 

[timber]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

I enjoy that really long battery life.
And the pairing never goes off.

 

[quietstormSD]

But this is such a useful accessory, especially since many iPhones still have lightning.

It's such a dumb/simple accessory that I think there's more than enough 3rd party sellers selling it for cheaper anyway.

 

[iLuddite]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Not via 3.5mm, but I do opt for USB-C EarPods over my AirPods Pro. They're $20 and sound better than the Bluetooth AirPods; heck, they even support Lossless whereas non-Max AirPods basically don't.

 

[AppliedMicro]

But this is such a useful accessory, especially since many iPhones still have lightning.

It's not very useful when you're trying (more desperately than ever, if the ads are any indication) to have your customers upgrade away from these old phones to newer generation models.

 

[psingh01]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Me! Still using my iphone 6 wired earbuds with my iphone 12 using this adapter. As long as it works i’ll use it. No need to worry about recharging

As a bonus I can use them with my Switch as well.

 

[DHagan4755]

The end of an era.

 

[dannyyankou]

Agreed, but I found the Apple one most reliable for some reason.

On the bright side, every product Apple sells now is USB-C. For those who still have lightning and want one of these, Walmart and Best Buy have it in stock discounted.

 

[SkweeBop]

Anyone still using wired earbuds/headphones via 3.5mm jack?

Hoo boy, yes. I'm faulting Apple for not only the cash grab, but for forcing two generations of people getting priced out of headphones, and making us all listen to their crap on the train.

That said, if there was a pair of smallish wireless buds that carry an overnight listening charge, a discrete volume control, and no *&$#$) alert sound to wake me up when the battery is low, or I've turned them down too far, I'll hand that company my money. Until then, I'm having to bluetooth to a receiver with wired Apple buds routed under my wee pillow!