Apple and connections – that’s one of those things. In addition to the changes triggered by EU law regarding the standard charging cable, another popular accessory will soon no longer be available in the Apple Store. We’re talking about the small USB-A power supply.
There is technology that is simply cult. Nintendo’s old Game Boy Color, for example, or the Nokia 3310. What these devices have in common is that you immediately have an image of them in your head. It’s similar with Apple’s old 5W USB-A power supply – for years the accessory was included with every iPhone. Now the final end for the iconic power supply has been decided.
Small USB-A power adapter was very popular
Since 2020, Apple has been selling its iPhones without the previously included power supply. This saves the company a lot of money, but many users found the practice angry. One reason was that the power adapter that came with every iPhone for many years was hugely popular. Small, handy and with a beautiful design – almost every Apple user has at least one of the small 5W adapters at home.
Most recently, the handy power supply with USB-A connection cost a whopping 25 euros in the Apple Store. It will no longer be available in the future.
Outdated technology
Apple does not give an official reason for the power adapter’s failure, but it can be assumed that it is now simply too outdated. Cult status or not, there are now faster power adapters to charge the iPhone. For comparison: 18 watts are now the norm. Thanks to the fast charging function and USB-C instead of USB-A, the charging time has been drastically reduced these days. As a result, USB-C is increasingly becoming the standard, and not just at Apple. From mid-2024, this will also be law in the EU to enforce uniform standards.
Also interesting: How to charge an iPhone properly – and how not
Speed or not – so far there is no adequate replacement for the small USB-A power supply from the Apple Group. Apple’s other adapters are all significantly larger and weigh noticeably more. The advantage of the older model was its compactness; the power adapter fits easily in any pocket. As of now, it is no longer available from Apple itself. In the online shop it says “Sold out”. The small USB-A adapter will certainly be available from third-party suppliers for some time before it finally disappears.