On December 28, Apple will officially discontinue sales of the iPhone 14, iPhone SE, and several other products in the European Union (EU) market due to new EU regulations mandating all new smartphones to feature a USB-C charging port.
According to France’s iGen website, Apple plans to halt sales of specific iPhone models and other devices utilizing the Lightning connector in the EU. The tech giant previously transitioned to USB-C with the iPhone 15, a move applauded by the industry, following pressure from the EU.
The EU has also imposed additional requirements on Apple, such as supporting third-party NFC and allowing alternative app store installations. Apple has largely confined these changes to the EU market while maintaining its product offerings unchanged in other regions. Notably, Apple Intelligence remains unavailable in the EU due to policy conflicts.
Interestingly, the upcoming new iPhone SE model, despite adopting USB-C, is rumored to inherit the design of the iPhone 14. This means that EU consumers will soon have the opportunity to own an iPhone that combines the features of both the iPhone 14 and the iPhone SE in a single device, complete with a USB-C port and support for Apple Intelligence.
Retailers in the EU will be allowed to sell their existing inventory of the affected Apple products. So, if you reside in the EU and are interested in the iPhone 14, now might be your last chance to get your hands on one. Notably, Apple will also discontinue sales of these devices in Northern Ireland, despite it not being part of the EU.
While this may be disappointing news for some EU consumers, they still have a plethora of options available. The iPhone 15 remains an exceptional smartphone, and those seeking a more affordable option can anticipate the upcoming iPhone SE generation.
If you intend to use Apple devices with a Lightning connector in the near future, it is advisable to stock up on accessories before they, too, become unavailable.
Apple’s decision reflects its compliance with the EU’s increasingly stringent regulations, and while the short-term inconvenience is undeniable, the unified charging standard promises long-term benefits, including reduced electronic waste and enhanced convenience for consumers. Nonetheless, the temporary loss of certain popular product lines is bound to leave a sense of wistfulness among Apple enthusiasts in Europe.
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