Nike’s Self-Lacing Adapt BB Sneakers Are Losing Their Remote Control Mobile App

Despite the ongoing popularity of the Back to the Future trilogy that inspired the self-lacing technology found in the HyperAdapt 1.0 and Air Mags, Nike has announced that it’s “no longer creating new versions of Adapt shoes.” Now, the Adapt BB mobile app used to control the $350 third iteration of Nike’s self-lacing sneakers will disappear from Google Play and the iPhone App Store next month.

Without the app, owners can use the physical buttons on the sneakers to power them on and off, check battery status, tighten or loosen the laces, and save a single preset. However, there will be no way to adjust the shoe’s lighting.

The power laces on the Nike Adapt BB basketball shoes, worn by athletes like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, were adjustable using buttons on the sneakers themselves or over Bluetooth. The app also allowed users to configure three tightness presets and adjust the color of LED lights on the shoes — features that will continue to function for Adapt BB users who already have the app installed on their phones.

After August 6th, however, Nike warns users that they “won’t be able to move the app to a new device, and future iOS updates may limit or end functionality, or may completely remove the app from your device.”

Challenges of Smart Apparel

Nike’s decision to retire the app is another reminder of the challenges of designing smart apparel. Most consumers might be used to the idea of upgrading a smartphone every few years, but an electronic pair of shoes or a smart denim jacket can remain in someone’s wardrobe for decades, long after a company stops selling the product.

It’s not entirely surprising when a company chooses to stop paying for the upkeep and continued development of an app for a product it’s no longer making money on, but that doesn’t take the sting out of losing functionality on your five-year-old kicks.

The Future of Smart Footwear

While the end of the Nike Adapt App may be disappointing for some, it also signals a shift in how we view smart technology in everyday items. As companies continue to innovate, the focus may shift towards more sustainable and long-term solutions that can adapt with technology changes without leaving consumers in the lurch.

For now, Nike Adapt BB owners can still enjoy the primary functions of their sneakers through manual controls. However, as technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the next generation of smart apparel addresses these challenges and provides more lasting value to consumers.

Nike’s self-lacing technology remains a fascinating glimpse into the future of footwear, combining innovation with iconic design. While the loss of the Adapt BB app is a step back, it’s also a valuable lesson in the complexities of integrating technology with fashion.

Stay tuned for more updates and innovations in the world of smart apparel from Kushal Bharat Tech News.