End of an era: Apple’s SuperDrive has finally sold out after 16 times

Apple USB SuperDrive RIP
Apple’s 2008 MacBook Air did not have an optical drive. So, Apple sold a SuperDrive accessory. It now appears that Apple has discontinued the sale of this accessory. Apple’s site shows that the SuperDrive has sold out. This could mean that Apple has finally discontinued the sale of this ancient device. Apple has never hesitated to ditch ports, peripherals or drives for more modern standards or thinner products. The MacBook Air was one of the first consumer laptops to be sold without a hard drive. Apple’s solution is one it has used many times in the past — sell it as an accessory. The USB SuperDrive was originally a $99 MacBook Air accessory. Since its introduction, the device has been available in the Apple Store. The price was reduced to $79 and there were no updates to the product. Apple did not support Blu-ray with SuperDrive, despite the fact that Blu-ray was a thing in 2006 and Apple had a SuperDrive. It also used a USB A connector, so users needed an adapter in order to use it on modern Macs. Most hubs and docks cannot drive it because of the power that comes from this port. It is safe to say that the SuperDrive has outlived its usefulness. Since years, USB-C has allowed users to purchase external drives that are much more powerful and cost less. Apple’s site has sold out, but the product is still available in other places while supplies last. Amazon is selling it for $77.99.