Apple Still Sells These Devices With Lightning After Discontinuing iPad 9

Apple discontinued the ninth-generation iPad with a Lightning port last week, meaning that its entire iPad lineup now uses USB-C. However, the company still sells a handful of devices and accessories with Lightning for now.

lightning connector feature purple
The list of products that Apple still sells with a Lightning port or connector includes some older iPhone models, the standard AirPods, the over-ear AirPods Max, the first-generation Apple Pencil, and a trio of Magic accessories for the Mac:

  • iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and iPhone SE
  • Second-generation and third-generation AirPods
  • AirPods Max
  • First-generation Apple Pencil
  • Magic Keyboard
  • Magic Mouse
  • Magic Trackpad

Apple has been gradually switching most of its products to USB-C, including the entire iPhone 15 series and the second-generation AirPods Pro last year, and AirPods Max with a USB-C port are rumored to launch later this year. Apple also discontinued the MagSafe Battery Pack and the MagSafe Duo Charger, which charge via Lightning.

Apple first introduced the Lightning port on the iPhone 5 in 2012.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

LawJolla Avatar
23 months ago
The magic accessories continuing to use lightning -- especially when they should have always been USB -- is just brutal.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mthomas184 Avatar
23 months ago

I bet if you were the only Lightning iPhone in a family of Androids, you’d have been asking for the switch sooner.
Nope. Just means I wouldn't have to worry about anyone stealing my cables. ;)
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jntdroid Avatar
23 months ago
Try being the only one in a family of 5 (all Apple) to switch to a phone with USB-C and you'll find out real quick how much the general public doesn't care about this and even finds it a hassle... for now at least. :)
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mcilwraith Avatar
23 months ago
USB C is great. lightning was great. who cares!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
carswell Avatar
23 months ago
In January, I started developing repetitive stress injury in my right hand and forearm that I assumed - correctly it turns out - was related to mouse usage. Being extremely right-handed, mousing with my left hand seemed ill advised, so I thought of getting a Magic (jeesh, do I hate that descriptor) Trackpad but balked when I saw it was still a Lightning device.

Having finally achieved "one cable to rule them all" status (well, except for the micro USB cable for powering my e-reader until I get a new one), I'm not about to go back and so opted instead for a small ambidextrous mouse that I've learned to use - clumsily but less and less so - with my left hand. Doubt I'll be opting for a MT now.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
23 months ago


* Magic Keyboard
* Magic Mouse
* Magic Trackpad

SURELY Apple will upgrade these this autumn...hopefully with a way to finally charge the mouse while using it??
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)