In “I Must’ve Missed This One” News: Monoprice Discontinuing Apple Cables


I love Monoprice. There are a few reasons why, but most of it comes down to their great customer service and low prices, both of which I’ve spoken about before. But now, it looks like they’re not going to be selling Apple cables anymore, and the reason why takes a bit explaining.

First, there’s a Bloomberg article about the topic. Let’s start there:

Apple Inc. sued companies it said are selling unauthorized electronic accessories such as chargers, speakers and cables for the iPod music player, iPhone and iPad tablet computer.

“Many are of inferior quality and reliability, raising significant concerns over compatibility with and damage to Apple’s products,” Apple said in the complaint, citing a user comment that a charger from one of the companies drained his iPod rather than replenishing the battery.

The suit is an example of the tight grip Apple keeps on its products, including approval of accessories and applications. Apple has a program called “Made for iPod” under which manufacturers get a license to sell accessories for devices. Apple collects a royalty of 20 percent to 25 percent from each sale of a licensed accessory, according to Shaw Wu, an analyst with Kaufman Bros. LP in San Francisco.

Wow. So this must’ve spooked Monoprice, I’d imagine. Guess it did, because it prompted this response via their Facebook page:

Unfortunately, all the iPhone/iPod cables and chargers are currently considered discontinued. I can not promise that we will be offering any new items to replace them anytime soon. For now, the only iPhone/iPod accessories we are selling are the cases and screen protectors. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

And that was just today. A few days ago, it was this:

Kyler Pace: What happened to your iPod accessories, and earphones w/ built-in mic!!??

Monoprice: We have decided to suspend offering these products as part of our business plan. We will let you know if and when we resume selling these products

Wow. Well that certainly sucks, because I really liked their selection. Guess if you missed this news when it happened as I did, you’re just as disappointed as I am.


Kokou Adzo

Kokou Adzo is a stalwart in the tech journalism community, has been chronicling the ever-evolving world of Apple products and innovations for over a decade. As a Senior Author at Apple Gazette, Kokou combines a deep passion for technology with an innate ability to translate complex tech jargon into relatable insights for everyday users.

3 Comments

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  1. I’ve always been an Apple fanboy, but Apple – don’t mess with Monoprice. All Applie is going to do is steer people to the real outlaws and shoddy manufacturers. This does tick me off. Monoprice is a reliable supplier with good service.

  2. F-ck Apple. They must not be making enough money through ‘legitimate’ business practices so they have to pull sh!t like this.

    Monoprice sold better cables than Apple (like the 6′ sync cable or the one that charges, syncs, AND gives you line-out) and for only a few dollars compared to the weak ones Apple sells for $20. Maybe Jobs ought to take another acid trip (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_jobs#Early_years) and lighten up a bit.

    I own 3 Apple devices along with 4 sync cables, and Apple didn’t make a cent off any of it (aside from the iTrip made by Griffin that I bought at Wal-Mart a few years ago; probably paid some sort of royalty to those b-stards). But f-ck ’em; they can come up with as many arse-brained schemes as they want but they’ll make no money off of me. I’ll miss getting my Apple accessories from Monoprice, but will just have to get them right from China then.