Nike has announced that it will be discontinuing its $350 self-tying sneakers app, leaving owners to manually adjust their shoes’ laces and LED lights without the aid of the app. The Adapt BB sneakers, released in 2019, were designed to be controlled through the Adapt app via Bluetooth, allowing wearers to tighten or loosen the laces and change the LED light colors. However, as of August 6, the app will no longer be available for download or receive updates.
While existing owners will still be able to use the app after August 6, the functionality may be limited as iOS or Android updates could render the app unusable. Without the app, wearers will no longer be able to change the LED light colors, and the shoes will default to the last color scheme selected or the default color if the app was never installed. Despite still being able to use on-shoe buttons to perform basic functions like turning the shoes on or off, checking the battery, and adjusting the lace tightness, the app’s discontinuation eliminates the ability to control the shoes via a mobile phone.
Many Adapt BB owners have expressed disappointment and frustration with Nike’s decision to retire the app, with some hoping that the company will open-source the app to allow users to maintain the full functionality of their shoes. However, Nike has not indicated any plans to do so at this time. The move has raised questions about the sustainability of digital products and the responsibility of companies to support and maintain past products.
This decision by Nike reflects a broader trend in the tech industry where companies introduce high-tech features into products but fail to provide long-term support, leaving customers with expensive products that may become obsolete due to discontinued apps or software updates. The reliance on technology in consumer products has led to concerns about the long-term viability of these products and the trustworthiness of companies to provide ongoing support.
As customers become increasingly wary of tech-dependent products, there is a growing sentiment of frustration and disillusionment with companies that prioritize technological innovation over product longevity. The discontinuation of the Adapt app serves as a cautionary tale for both consumers and companies about the risks and limitations of integrating technology into everyday products without a clear plan for long-term support and maintenance.
