Apple Pulls iPhone 14 and SE from EU Ahead of USB-C Deadline

As of December 27, Apple has stopped selling iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and third-generation iPhone SE in all EU member states, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain. This decision follows regulations that require electronic devices sold in these countries to be equipped with USB-C charging ports, which these models lack.

The European “Universal Charging” Directive 2022/2380 sets out new rules for radio equipment sold in the EU, which comes into effect on December 28. -C aims to reduce e-waste and address market fragmentation.

In addition to requiring USB-C ports, the directive also requires devices that support fast charging to comply with the USB power supply standard, allowing for faster charging and up to 240W of power. Devices must also carry clear labels informing customers of charging standards and capabilities.

Why is this directive needed?

Universal charging standards ensure one charger can work for multiple devices, reducing the need to own or buy different cables. It also prevents manufacturers from bundling specific chargers with their products and adding the associated costs to the price.

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In addition, standardizing USB-C eliminates proprietary technologies such as Apple’s Lightning port, creating a level playing field for accessory manufacturers, allowing them to design products that are compatible with all devices without any restrictions or licensing fees.

The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone SE, as well as the Magic Keyboard, are reportedly equipped with a Lightning port, but the port has now been removed from Apple’s online store in most EU countries. mike rumor. The device was phased out around December 20 after it was discontinued in Switzerland.

As the UK leaves the EU in 2020, the devices are still available to buy in England, Wales and Scotland; however, they are not available in Northern Ireland as it operates within the EU single market. These Apple devices are still available outside of Europe, such as the United States, India, and China.

According to the French website, Apple’s authorized dealers in the EU will be able to continue selling iPhones with Lightning capabilities until they are sold out. i generationthe company also broke the news of its imminent discontinuation of production on December 13.

The tech giant initially claimed in a statement that EU regulations “stifle innovation” Reuters 2020; Apple finally gives in and adds a USB-C port iPhone 15 2023 Series. Accounts for a quarter of Apple’s total revenueso losing the market will cost the company dearly.

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Will the new regulations affect customers who already own these models?

The new law will not affect customers who currently own these devices; however, it prevents manufacturers from selling phones in the region that do not support USB-C, even if they are available before December 28.

While the directive does mean that the cheapest iPhones are no longer sold in the EU, if the directive hadn’t come into effect, the iPhone 14 series would likely have been discontinued in September 2025, according to Apple’s standard product schedule. In fact, the fourth-generation iPhone SE Has USB-C connection Scheduled for release Early 2025.