TechComputers & PCsLaptopsApple quietly discontinues a much-used Mac accessory – the end of an eraCD/DVD reader scrapped – but there are third-party equivalentsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechComputers & PCsLaptopsApple quietly discontinues a much-used Mac accessory – the end of an eraCD/DVD reader scrapped – but there are third-party equivalentsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
CD/DVD reader scrapped – but there are third-party equivalents
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Quick SummaryThe Apple USB SuperDrive that launched back in 2008 is listed as “Sold Out” on Apple US, suggesting it is being quietly discontinued.For those that do want to use an external CD/DVD player on their Mac however, there are third-party options still available. And the official USB SuperDrive continues to be sold in the UK.
The Apple USB SuperDrive that launched back in 2008 is listed as “Sold Out” on Apple US, suggesting it is being quietly discontinued.For those that do want to use an external CD/DVD player on their Mac however, there are third-party options still available. And the official USB SuperDrive continues to be sold in the UK.
The Apple USB SuperDrive that launched back in 2008 is listed as “Sold Out” on Apple US, suggesting it is being quietly discontinued.For those that do want to use an external CD/DVD player on their Mac however, there are third-party options still available. And the official USB SuperDrive continues to be sold in the UK.
The Apple USB SuperDrive that launched back in 2008 is listed as “Sold Out” on Apple US, suggesting it is being quietly discontinued.
For those that do want to use an external CD/DVD player on their Mac however, there are third-party options still available. And the official USB SuperDrive continues to be sold in the UK.
It’s the end of an era for theAppleUSB SuperDrive. In case you haven’t heard of it, it’s the CD andDVD player/burnerthat launched way back in 2008 when Steve Jobs first introduced the MacBook Air from the famous Manilla envelope. The original MacBook Air was the first Mac to be introduced with no CD drive and so the SuperDrive accessory was designed for those that still wanted to play CDs and DVDs through their Mac.
Apple describes the USB SuperDrive on its website as: “Whether you’re at the office or on the road, you can play and burn both CDs and DVDs with the Apple USB SuperDrive. It’s perfect when you want to watch a DVD movie, install software, create backup discs, and more.”
Connecting to aMacvia USB (most definitely not USB-C), the Apple USB SuperDrive has continued to be sold for 15 years, and a decade after Apple phased out CD drives in its Macs.
(Image credit: Future / Britta O’Boyle)
(Image credit: Future / Britta O’Boyle)
I actually have one that I dug out especially for you for a quick picture. I used to use it for playing Grey’s Anatomy DVDs on my old MacBook Air back in the day so I got my money’s worth back then. That said, I haven’t used it for over 10 years and I wouldn’t buy another if I lost it.
It’s probably very unlikely it will be coming back into stock neither, though it is worth mentioning that for those in the UK, the Apple USB SuperDrive isstill available to buy through Apple, as well onAmazontoo.
There are also third-party alternatives available, so if you really feel like you need a CD and DVD drive for your Mac, then you’ll be alright, all is not lost.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The third-party options connect via USB-C too and they are compatible with Blu-ray discs, which the Apple USB SuperDrive is not. If you still want the official Apple USB SuperDrive however, it will cost you £79 / $79 / A$119 if you can find it.
Today’s best Apple USB SuperDrive deals$57.57View$79ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple USB SuperDrive deals$57.57View$79ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple USB SuperDrive deals
$57.57View$79ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$57.57View
$57.57View
$57.57View
$57.57
$57.57
$79View
$79View
$79View
$79
$79
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSapple
TOPICS
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
A new Apple TV 4K box is reportedly coming, it’s just a matter of whenWhat will it offer though and will it change design?
What will it offer though and will it change design?
Apple’s affordable iPad set for major speed boost and Apple IntelligenceIt’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
It’s exciting times ahead for the entry-level tablet
Apple already sells a device thinner than the rumoured iPhone 17 AirThe slimming world of Apple
The slimming world of Apple
Apple MacBook Pro set for its biggest upgrade in many yearsIt’s great news for Apple fans
It’s great news for Apple fans
Apple iPhone could get a major camera boost… thanks to SamsungYou’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
You’ll just have to wait a while for it to arrive
If the iPhone 17 Pro looks like this, I’ll eat my hat!Surely this is highly unlikely?
Surely this is highly unlikely?
The next iPhone SE could be in for its biggest change yetBut will it simplify or confuse things?
But will it simplify or confuse things?
OLED iPad mini could be coming in 2026, say insidersApple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too
Apple’s smallest iPad could be getting even more portable – and the iPad Airs could get even slimmer too