Nike has announced that it will be discontinuing its self-lacing Adapt BB sneakers, which were first introduced in 2019. These sneakers featured a power-lacing system called FitAdapt, which could be adjusted manually or through an app. However, the company will no longer produce new Adapt shoes and will be retiring the Nike Adapt App as well.
In a help document found by The Verge, Nike stated that the Adapt App will be removed from the Apple and Android app stores globally on August 6, 2024. Despite this, existing Adapt shoes will continue to work even without the app. The company also mentioned that the app should still function if it is already installed, but users will not be able to transfer it to a new device. Additionally, future iOS updates may affect the app’s functionality.
Without the app, users will still be able to perform basic functions such as powering on the shoes, checking battery status, adjusting the fit, saving the fit, unlacing the shoes, and powering them off. However, the discontinuation of the Adapt App raises concerns about the accessibility of the shoes, especially for individuals with limited mobility who may have found the self-lacing feature helpful.
This situation serves as a reminder of the risks associated with relying on custom apps for the functionality of physical products. Once the app loses support, the product may lose significant features and there may not be much that users can do about it. It highlights the importance of considering the long-term viability of technology that depends on apps for operation.
In conclusion, while the discontinuation of the Adapt BB sneakers and the Nike Adapt App may be disappointing for users, it underscores the need for companies to think carefully about the implications of tying technology to specific apps. It also raises questions about the future of wearable tech and the challenges of maintaining functionality over time.
