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Apple is set to stop selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE in the European Union (EU) later this month. This decision comes as the company aims to comply with a new EU regulation that mandates all smartphones with wired charging ports to use the USB-C standard. Currently, these iPhones use Apple's own Lightning connector, which does not meet the new rule.
The EU’s new regulation, which will take effect on December 28, requires all devices, including smartphones, to have a USB-C port for wired charging. Apple’s Lightning connector, used in older iPhone models, does not meet this requirement. As a result, Apple will stop selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE in the EU. This change is expected to begin on December 28, when the regulation officially takes effect.
The iPhone models mentioned above will be removed from Apple’s online and retail stores in the EU, including Northern Ireland. However, authorised resellers in the region will still be able to sell these devices until their current stock runs out. The phase-out could begin even earlier in Switzerland, with some sources suggesting these models may be removed from Apple’s online store there as early as December 20.
In addition to the affected iPhone models, other Apple products with the Lightning connector, such as the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID, may also be discontinued in the EU. However, Apple has not yet confirmed these reports.
This regulation is part of the EU’s effort to reduce electronic waste and make charging cables more universal across different devices. The EU hopes that by making USB-C the standard, users will need fewer cables and chargers, which will help the environment.
The rule will apply not only to new iPhones but also to any iPhones manufactured after December 28. This means that from that date, Apple cannot sell any iPhone models with a Lightning port in the EU, even if those models were launched before the regulation took effect.
The change is significant for Apple, which has long used its proprietary Lightning connector in iPhones. However, with the new law, the company must adapt to the EU's push for universal charging standards.
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