Sources from the French website iGeneration report that Apple may stop selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in the EU at the end of December 2024. The reason is simple: the mandatory use of USB-C in the European Union.
In recent years, Apple has replaced almost all devices with Lightning with USB-C. Last year, iMac accessories and AirPods 4, among others, were equipped with USB-C. Apple’s smartphone has had USB-C since the iPhone 15 and the iPad has had it for several years.
USB-C mandatory in EU
The law is simple: By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, cameras, earphones and other portable devices must be able to be charged with one type of cable, the USB-C connection. This has been agreed by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the individual Member States.
Apple also had to provide all their devices with USB-C. This not only concerns the iPhone, but also AirPods, peripherals such as the Magic Mouse, etc. The latest generations of MacBook have MagSafe, but can also be charged via USB-C. So these are ready for the future.
iPhone 14 and iPhone SE from EU market
According to the sources told iGeneration, Apple would have to withdraw the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE from its range to comply with the new legislation. Online shops may still sell old stock, but new stock should not be created. For that reason, Apple would withdraw these two iPhone models from the EU market. The devices will still be for sale in the US and other countries.
Successor iPhone SE in the making
Are you waiting for a new iPhone SE? Then you will have to be patient for a while, the 4th generation is not expected immediately, but not until the spring of 2025 at the earliest.
Some rumors have already been leaked regarding the new SE. This would probably have the same design as the iPhone 14 with some adjustments. This means that the iPhone SE will make the switch to an edge-to-edge screen, Face ID, 48 MP camera and a larger display.