After 8 Years, Apple May Have Discontinued the Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter

When Apple launched the iPhone 7 series, it completely removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, shifting towards a future of wireless Bluetooth headphones. However, at the time, there were still users who preferred wired headphones, and due to legal requirements in certain markets, Apple was compelled to provide a wired headphone option.

To address this, Apple introduced the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter, enabling users to connect wired headphones through this adapter into the iPhone's Lightning port for audio transmission.

The adapter was included by default with the sales of the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X series, and was also sold separately in stores for $9.

However, starting with the iPhone XS, Apple no longer included the adapter with the phone, making it a separate purchase for users who still wanted one. Now, it appears Apple has ceased production of this adapter, as it is listed as sold out in Apple's online store.

The adapter is shown as sold out in most markets, including the United States, on the official Apple store website, but it remains available in France, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, likely until stock runs out and it too is discontinued.

On another note, with iPhones fully transitioning to the USB-C port, Apple continues to sell the USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter. Currently, the only iPhones still featuring the Lightning port are the iPhone 14 series and the iPhone SE, which are expected to be discontinued next year.

Apart from the AirPods wireless headphones, Apple continues to sell wired EarPods with USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm connectors, allowing users to choose according to their needs which products and adapters to purchase.