In a significant move to comply with EU regulations, Apple has announced that it will stop selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE in the European Union. This decision is driven by new guidelines requiring all newly sold smartphones with wired charging to feature a USB-C port. The affected devices, which still utilize Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, will no longer be available on Apple’s online and offline stores in the EU after December 28, 2024.
Read more: Apple iPhone SE 4 Rumored to Feature 48MP Primary and 12MP Selfie Camera
Impact on Apple Products
In addition to discontinuing the iPhone 14 lineup and the iPhone SE, Apple will also halt sales of other Lightning-supported products, including the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID. These products will be removed from the shelves of Apple Authorized Retailers once existing inventories are cleared.
Interestingly, this regulation also impacts Northern Ireland, which, despite being part of the UK, is still subject to some EU trading rules post-Brexit. Similarly, Switzerland will see the removal of these devices even earlier, by December 20, 2024.
Future of iPhone SE
While the discontinuation of the iPhone 14 series might impact Apple’s market, the iPhone SE is set to make a comeback with a newer model in 2025. This new model is expected to align with the USB-C compliance requirements, offering better performance and features.
Why This Matters
The EU’s regulation aims to create a universal charging standard, reducing e-waste and simplifying charging solutions for consumers. Apple has already begun the transition, as the latest iPhone 15 series debuted with USB-C ports.
With the discontinuation of Lightning products, Apple takes another step toward embracing the universal standard. For customers, this means a more seamless charging experience and a unified ecosystem.
Key Dates to Remember
- December 20, 2024: Deadline for discontinuing iPhone sales in Switzerland.
- December 28, 2024: Deadline for discontinuing iPhone sales in the EU.
This change marks the end of an era for Apple’s Lightning port in Europe, setting the stage for a more standardized tech future.
