Does anybody still remember that Apple still sells the Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter ($9.00) (until now)? Well, it looks like Apple is phasing out this dongle in its online stores around the globe for good, according to Aaron Perris on X.
Back in September 2016, Apple introduced the iPhone 7, which was heavily based on the iPhone 6’s design, but with newer design tweaks. However, it wouldn’t be a new iPhone without some sort of controversy, that was the infamous decision to remove the headphone jack on the bottom, and Phill Schiller remarkably claimed the reason for that was “courage.” So Apple included this adapter as a solution for customers who preferred using other wired headphones until the iPhone XR and XS; however, at the same time, Apple envisions the future of how we listen to audio with the introduction of AirPods, which eventually became mainstream, and Apple’s master plan worked.
Over the next several years, Apple introduced the iPhone X, which had a groundbreaking design with its edge-to-edge screen. Just recently, starting with the iPhone 15 lineup, the iPhone switched from Lightning to USB-C, following suit of other Apple products that made the move. Apple still has the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus. Since we expect Apple to phase out those models within the next year, we can finally say goodbye to possibly Apple’s most affordable accessory ever. But hey, there are other headphones that connect via USB-C, including the EarPods (USB-C) that Apple sells.
