Apple SuperDrive Sold Out: An End of an Era
Discontinuation of Apple's USB SuperDrive
End of an Era
After 16 years of providing optical drive support, Apple has finally sold out its SuperDrive. The 2008 MacBook Air marked the beginning of the phasing out of optical drives in Apple laptops. To compensate, Apple released the USB SuperDrive as an external solution.
Current Availability
For customers in the US, the Apple USB SuperDrive is no longer available through the official Apple Store. However, third-party retailers still offer the device at varying prices. Some recommended retailers include:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Walmart
Reasons for Discontinuation
Apple has not officially announced the discontinuation of the SuperDrive. However, it is speculated that the increasing popularity of cloud storage, streaming services, and USB flash drives has diminished the need for optical drives. Additionally, the compact designs of modern laptops have limited the space available for optical drive bays.
Impact on Users
While the discontinuation of the SuperDrive may inconvenience users who still rely on optical media, it aligns with the industry's shift towards digital storage and online distribution. Users can now access a wide range of content through streaming platforms, download digital versions of software and media, and store files in cloud-based services.
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