It seems Apple is finally saying goodbye to its Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adapter, a staple accessory introduced in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7. This adapter was created to help users adjust to the removal of the headphone jack—a controversial move at the time. Now, with the transition to USB-C in full swing, the adapter is reportedly sold out in the U.S. and many other countries, though it remains available in select regions like France and Scandinavia.

Initially bundled with iPhones like the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8, the adapter disappeared from the box with the iPhone XS in 2018. From then on, users had to either buy the adapter separately, use Lightning EarPods, or opt for wireless alternatives like AirPods, which have since become a cultural icon.

Why now?

The decision aligns with Apple’s ongoing pivot to USB-C. With the iPhone 15 lineup adopting this universal standard, the days of Lightning accessories are numbered. The adapter joins other fading Lightning accessories, such as the Lightning-to-VGA adapter, signaling a broader shift towards a more streamlined and modern ecosystem.

For wired audio enthusiasts, this may feel like the end of an era. While the Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter was never flashy, it quietly served those who preferred traditional wired headphones over wireless alternatives. And while USB-C offers similar functionality through a new adapter, this marks the closing chapter of an accessory that bridged the gap between analog and digital audio.

What’s next?

If you’re still holding onto older iPhones with Lightning ports, now might be the time to snag a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter from third-party retailers like Best Buy, while supplies last. For newer devices, Apple continues to offer a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter for those who aren’t quite ready to go wireless.