14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter that allows iPhone owners to use their smartphone with traditional headphones is the third best-selling product at Best Buy.
At $9.99, the little adapter, which comes right in the box of iPhones no longer featuring the super-popular audio port, comes right after Amazon’s Fire TV stick and Apple’s AirPods, both of which are also selling like hot cakes.
According to stats published by Joshua Fruhlinger on Thinknum, the headphone adapter has been a consistent best-seller at Best Buy since its debut in October 2016 on the iPhone 7.
While it’s hard to estimate how much Apple is making with these adapters, it’s actually surprising to see them such a steady source of income for the Cupertino-based tech giant, especially given all the controversy created around the decision to remove the headphone jack.
The headphone jack controversy
iPhone 7 was the first model to come without this iconic feature, with Apple deciding to bet all-in on the Lightning port and offer this adapter to allow buyers to continue using their headphones. On the other hand, while this adapter was included in the box, it wasn’t exactly the most convenient solution, as it made it impossible to use the iPhone with headphones and charge the device simultaneously.
As for the reasons why so many people buy the adapter, there are basically two of them that are more or less related. The adapter not only that breaks down quite easily, but it’s also incredibly easy to lose it, as it’s light, small, and you always have to carry it around separately from the iPhone.
This could also be the reason why the AirPods are taking the runner-up spot in these stats. It’s not a secret that many buyers actually lose their wireless headphones every once in a while, in which case purchasing a new set is pretty much the only option.
