The EU has ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 14 and the iPhone SE. But why do they actually have to do that?
Apple stops selling iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (here’s why)
From December 28, all smartphones sold in the EU must have a USB-C connection. Because the iPhone 14 models and the iPhone SE (2022) still have a lightning port, they can no longer be sold here.
That is why Apple has now officially withdrawn the iPhone 14 and the iPhone SE from the market. Both devices are still for sale here and there via other sites, but it is no longer possible to purchase them from Apple.
This means that they are no longer for sale in Germany, Spain, France and more countries. In countries such as England (which is not a member of the EU), both iPhones are still sold.
The rule was created by the EU to create a standard for charging electronic devices. This should also ensure that less waste is created. After all, you can charge all your devices with the same cable. When passing the law, the European Parliament said that thrown away charging cables and adapters account for around 11,000 tonnes of waste in the EU.
It is quite annoying that both iPhones are no longer sold. Because they were a nice budget alternative for Apple enthusiasts who didn’t necessarily need the latest hardware.
From the iPhone 15 onwards, there is a USB-C port on the iPhone. All iPads now also have a USB-C connection. You can also see in the box of the latest AirPods that Apple has replaced them with a version with USB-C.
The new EU law does not only apply to smartphones and tablets. Cameras also have to deal with it. And from 2026, all new laptops must have a USB-C port for charging.
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