Key Takeaways
- Apple’s Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adapter is currently sold out in a number of locales.
- The business continues to sell some iPhones with Lightning.
- Lightning is becoming outdated as a result of the EU and other nations demanding USB-C for charging.
Even though Apple still sells some iPhones with Lightning, its Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adaptor for iPhones and iPads is quickly running out of supply worldwide.
According to MacRumors, the adapter is entirely sold out at Apple’s online shop in the US and many other countries. Some of them nations include important markets like Germany, India, and Canada. According to reports, there is some stock in places like France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Apple has been contacted for comment, and we will notify you if we receive a response.
Although Apple might theoretically be intending to restock, the corporation usually only allows inventory to drop to this point when it intends to halt production entirely. One recent example is the SuperDrive, a Mac accessory that was permitted to sell out over the course of 2024. Its US product page is active as of this writing.
Originally introduced in 2016, the Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter was necessary due to Apple’s decision to eliminate the headphone port from the iPhone 7. On stage, Phil Schiller, who was then Apple’s chief marketing officer, discussed the “courage” required to make that choice. In order to prevent customers from having to throw away their wired headphones, the company gave gratis the adaptor with every iPhone 7, 8, and X.
However, as of fall 2024, the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus are the only models that have Lightning ports. Because of things like increased fidelity and the success of Apple’s own AirPods range, Bluetooth headphones have also become the norm in the business.
A European Union regulation that mandates USB-C as the wired charging standard for iPhones is increasing the pressure. The UK is experimenting with the concept as well. With that as the new global charging standard, Apple may seek to phase out all Lightning-based devices.
However, for those who prefer older, wired audio devices, Apple continues to provide USB-C to 3.5mm adapters. The firm will need to keep selling these adapters to guarantee compatibility because it doesn’t appear to be planning to stop selling its well-liked wired EarPods anytime soon.
