Apple has discontinued the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (3rd generation) in regions affected by the European Union’s new regulations requiring USB-C ports. Starting December 28, USB-C became the mandatory standard for charging across various electronic devices in the EU, prompting the move.
The regulation, aimed at reducing e-waste and standardizing fast charging across devices, applies to phones, tablets, cameras, and other electronics. While this change doesn’t impact existing devices with Lightning or micro-USB ports, it prohibits the sale of new products lacking USB-C in the EU.
Although budget Android devices had already adopted USB-C, Apple’s shift to USB-C in the iPhone 15 series in 2023 marked the end of the Lightning port in its latest models. However, the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE, which still feature the Lightning port, are now only available through third-party sellers in the EU, while continuing to be sold in other markets like the US, India, and China.
Apple is also expected to introduce a new iPhone SE with a USB-C port in early 2025 to meet global demand and comply with changing regulations.
