Originally introduced in 2016, it now seems like Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter may soon be discontinued (via MacRumors).
Apple started selling this product alongside the iPhone 7, which was the first iPhone to no longer include a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you wanted to use wired headphones (aside from the Lightning EarPods that came in the box), you would need this adapter.
Apple included it in the box with the iPhone 7, 8, and X, but starting with the iPhone XS and XR, they stopped including it, requiring customers to buy it separately for $9.
Obviously, iPhones use USB-C now, and Apple does still make a USB-C to headphone jack adapter for use with iPhone 15 and later. However, if you use an iPhone 14 or prior, time may be running out.
It’s currently “sold out” on Apple’s online store, which doesn’t necessarily mean its gone – but it’s a strong sign. As mentioned in MacRumors’ reporting, this same situation played out with Apple’s USB SuperDrive, where it sold out a few months prior, and then silently got discontinued.
While it is out of stock online in the US and in most countries, it is still available in France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
There’ll likely continue to be MFi options on the market, but if you specifically want the Apple one – time is running out. Amazon seems to be out of stock, but you can still buy it from Best Buy, for slightly under the original $9 price tag.
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