Is Apple SuperDrive Discontinued?
Apple SuperDrive has been discontinued in terms of being built into Apple computers. However, Apple still offers an external CD and DVD drive accessory called SuperDrive, which can be used with Mac computers that do not have an internal optical drive.
The SuperDrive was initially introduced by Apple as the name for their floppy disk drive, which was used to read and write data from floppy disks. As technology progressed and floppy disks became obsolete, Apple repurposed the name SuperDrive for their internal CD and DVD drives integrated with their computers.
In the past, Apple computers used to come with a built-in SuperDrive, allowing users to easily read and burn CDs and DVDs without the need for an external drive. This internal SuperDrive was a convenient feature for many users, especially for tasks such as installing software, watching movies, or creating backups.
However, with the rise of digital distribution and the increasing popularity of cloud-based storage, the need for optical drives has diminished. As a result, Apple made the decision to remove the internal SuperDrive from their computers, starting with the MacBook Air in 2008. Since then, other Mac models, including the MacBook Pro and iMac, have also phased out the built-in SuperDrive.
Although Apple no longer manufactures computers with built-in SuperDrives, they still offer the SuperDrive as an external accessory. The external SuperDrive connects to your Mac via USB and provides the functionality of a CD/DVD drive. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making it a convenient option for users who still require optical drive capabilities.
The external SuperDrive is compatible with Mac computers running macOS 10.6 or later and can read and write CDs and DVDs. It supports various formats, including CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW. The SuperDrive is a plug-and-play device, meaning you can simply connect it to your Mac and start using it without the need for additional software or drivers.
Although the SuperDrive is not included with Mac computers anymore, it can be purchased separately from Apple’s online store or authorized retailers. It is worth noting that there are also third-party external CD/DVD drives available on the market that are compatible with Mac computers, offering alternative options for users who need optical drive functionality.
While the internal SuperDrive has been discontinued in Apple computers, the SuperDrive name is still used when referring to Apple’s external CD and DVD drive accessory. The external SuperDrive provides users with the ability to read and write CDs and DVDs on Mac computers that do not have built-in optical drives.