The Disappearing Dongle: The Mysterious Case
- · Lightning
to headphone jack adapters by Apple are rarer these days. - · Even
other third-party Lightning adapters are running low in stocks. - · Lightning
ports were used on devices up to the iPhone 14 and iPad 9th Gen.
After the removal of the headphone jack by Apple,
users have depended significantly on the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter to use
their favorite wired headphones. However, it seems that this small adapter
which is crucial for the audio experience is now facing an availability issue.
As reported by MacRumors, many of Apple’s stores
worldwide have run out of the $9 adapter. In most of the areas, the only place
to find it is in the few remaining stocks. In the past, Apple has discontinued
other products after running down their stock, including the SuperDrive DVD
player.
It seems probable that the Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter
is being quietly retired from view. This move is bad news for users who own
iPhones (up to the 14 series) who prefer using quality wired audio equipment
with lightning ports. Although other external options are available, their
degrees of reliability are inconsistent such as investing in nice portable DACs
which is never an ideal situation.
The Adapter is Slipping Away
Apple first supplied its customers with the Lightning
adapter together with the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and iPhone X, after removing the
headphones jack. But by the period of iPhone XS, it became a separate product
available for purchase. Till now, this adapter has been around, but recent
developments made one think this may be the last time we see these adapters
alongside other Apple discontinued products such as iPod Hi-Fi and iPod socks.
The reason is crystal clear: All modern Apple devices
now come with USB-C ports. All the latest Apple devices still have the option
of using Apple’s USB-C adapter and USB-C EarPods. It does put Lightning device
holders in a difficult situation, with the adapter being delicate at best. Many
users simply report losing their units due to damage/heavy utilization.
Since Apple has so many consumers using Lightning
compatible iPhones along with second hand and refurbished options, it seems
inconvenient for Apple to quit using the adapter completely. Although other
companies make products compatible with Apple’s devices, the lack of an
official one raises questions concerning the product’s quality and reliable
safety.
And what are the Next Steps?
In case you possess a Lightning iPhone that makes use
of wired headphones or IEMs, now may be the time to hoard the adapter for it
might vanish in the future. The same can be said about other Lightning
peripherals such as the Lightning to VGA adapter which appears to be going
extinct as well.
Apple’s decision to phase out the adapter shows the
greater problem of evolving to new standards without support for the old ones.
In the meantime Lightning users should make a hasty decision in order to
continue enjoying their setups.
