Apple Becomes a Bit Mysterious About the Lightning‑to‑Headphone Adapter
Long time, no see, folks. Apple has quietly put the brakes on the little lightning connector that let you plug your old‑school headset into the 7, 7 Plus, 8, and X.
What Happened?
In July, if you did a quick search on the Apple store, you’d find the adapter marked sold out—and mostly everywhere. That means you’re stuck with a single device that still checks out. The 3.5‑mm‑to‑Lightning adapter is still hanging on in a handful of places: France, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. It’s the only spots where you might still snag one.
Why the Mystery?
- Original bundle – The adapter used to come free in the box for iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, and X. No extra cash was required.
- Online price – When you could buy it online, it cost $9. A gold‑plated ticket to pair any wired mic or earbud directly to your lightning port.
- Now – It’s vanished from the majority of online stores. Only a few countries see a few units in their warehouses.
Who Feels the Loss?
Anyone who bought an iPhone before 2016 and loves that old 0‑50 wired sound experience. Without the adapter, you either need to swap to Bluetooth or trade in an older phone that still sports a headphone jack.
The Bottom Line
Guess the “thing” that connects your headphone to a lightning port is a relic of the past. If you’re still roaming the Apple cosplay market, try checking the small European spots—they may fatten up the stock that’s left.
Anyone else dodging the Wild West of headphone adapters? Stay tuned!
Apple’s USB‑Powered CD Drive: A Quick‑Burst Story
What Happened?
Apple dropped a USB‑powered CD reader on its US online storefront, and people got excited—because who doesn’t love a good backup drive? Fast forward a short while, and sales were already sold out. Then, just like that, the product vanished from every store worldwide.
Why It Felt Like a Comic Twist
- Day 1: The product appears in the catalogue.
- Day 2: “STOCK!”—the product tens of thousands of integers—gone.
- Day 30: A subtle, global announcement: Discontinued.
Quick Timeline Snapshot
Launch: Worldwide excitement.
Sold Out: Now the tech community scrambles.
Discontinued: All sales vanish, leaving fans to wonder if it was a test run or a genuine launch.
What Fans Are Saying
Most commenters say it’s a classic example of a company launching something to stir hype then pulling back before it fully takes off. They joke, “Apple’s idea of a product launch is a fireworks show with a flick‑off button.”
Bottom Line
The USB‑powered CD reader’s brief stint echoes the broader trend of firms experimenting with limited‑time releases to gauge customer interest—and releasing them on a grand scale just when the hype peaks. It’s a lesson for consumers and makers alike: keep your eyes peeled, because a product can spin off fast anymore.
