Apple plans to stop sales of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and third-generation iPhone SE in the European Union starting December 28, 2024. The move comes in response to EU rules requiring new smartphones. All models with wired charging must use a USB-C port. Affected models still use Apple’s proprietary Lightning port, making them non-compliant with the new standard.
Why Is This Happening?
The EU has introduced a regulation mandating USB-C as a universal charging standard to reduce e-waste and make charging solutions easier for consumers. This rule will take effect at the end of December. And it will affect smartphones and other electronic devices. All sold in the EU, Apple, which has been gradually transitioning its product line to USB-C, will discontinue the device with the same Lightning setup as in the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE regions.
Impacted Devices and Regions
The discontinuation will impact Apple’s online and physical retail stores across all 27 EU member states, including Northern Ireland. Due to trade agreements with EU rules, Switzerland will also see these devices phased out sooner than that, by December 20, although Apple authorized resellers will be able to resell the remaining products. You can go. But these models will not be replenished when they go on sale.
What About Future iPhones?
Apple will launch the fourth-generation iPhone SE with a USB-C port in early 2025, but the iPhone 14 model, which may already be discontinued worldwide in September 2025, will not return to the European market. This change reflects Apple’s agreement with regulatory changes. and the global move to USB-C across all of the company’s products.
Other Lightning Devices Affected
In addition to these iPhone models, Apple may also stop selling Lightning-based accessories like the extended Magic Keyboard. This is part of a larger strategy to phase out the Lightning standard and embrace USB-C.
Global Impact
Although this change will primarily affect the European Union, But it represents a big change for Apple globally. The company has already converted its first iPhone 15 models to USB-C. This could encourage other regions to adopt USB-C.
Customer Options
If you are in the European Union and want to buy one of these models. Now is the time to do this before removed from stores. Or you can expect an iPhone SE with USB-C, expected next year. Authorized resellers will remain the temporary source of these devices until inventory is exhausted.
Final Thoughts
This change highlights Apple’s ability to adapt to global regulations and commitment to sustainability. for consumers This represents the end of the lightning era and a future of unified charging with USB-C. This move is both a convenience and a challenge for those still using Lightning devices.