Highlights

• Apple might discontinue the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.
• It is currently listed as “sold out” on Apple’s online store in most countries.
• The adapter is still available in select regions like India, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
• third-party MFi-certified options will most likely be available.

It appears Apple is a few steps away from discontinuing its lightning to the 3.5mm headphone jack adapter.

The update was shared in a recent MacRumors report by contributor Aaron Perris. The adapter was first introduced by Apple in 2016.

Apple launched this adapter alongside the iPhone 7, which was the first Apple iPhone to ditch the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For those who wanted to stick with wired headphones aside from the Lightning EarPods included in the box, the adapter was essential.

Apple initially bundled it with the iPhone 7, 8 and X. But starting with the iPhone XS and XR, the adapter was no longer included and had to be purchased separately for $9 (INR 900).

With the newer iPhone models now using USB-C, Apple continues to sell a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter for the iPhone 15 and later.

However, the availability of the Lightning adapter will now become uncertain for users of older models like the iPhone 14 and earlier.

The Lightning to 3.5mm adapter is currently listed as “sold out” on Apple’s online store in the US and most other countries.

While this doesn’t confirm its discontinuation, the MacRumors report suggests it is a strong indication. MacRumors also points out a similar situation occurred with Apple’s USB SuperDrive when it was sold out a few months before being quietly discontinued.

However, the adapter is still available in select regions including India, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

It is only that if you’re in the US and want the official Apple version, your chances of finding the same are less.

Amazon is showing out of stock, but Best Buy still has some units available for slightly less than $9 (INR 900).

We suggest anyone thinking of getting an Apple’s original adapter might want to grab one before it’s too late. Meanwhile, the third-party MFi-certified options are likely to remain on the market.

FAQs

Q1. When was the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter introduced?

Answer. The adapter was first introduced by Apple in 2016.

Q2. Is Apple discontinuing the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter?

Answer. Currently, the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter is listed as “sold out” on Apple’s online store in the US and most other countries, which some reports reported as a strong indication of its discontinuation.

Q3. Which regions still have the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter available?

Answer. The adapter is still available in select regions, including France, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

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