In a significant shift, Apple has ceased the sale of its iPhone SE and iPhone 14 series in Europe, marking the end for devices equipped with Apple’s proprietary Lightning charging port. This change aligns with the EU’s transition to a universal charging solution centered around USB-C. The EU Directive 2022/2380 is now effective, aiming to diminish e-waste and address market fragmentation.
According to a recent examination by The Verge, the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and 14 Plus, along with the Lightning-based Magic Keyboard, have been removed from retailers in The Netherlands, France, and Germany. However, these models remain available in the US and other regions outside the EU’s 27 member states. Speculation suggests a new iPhone SE featuring USB-C and enhancements such as an OLED display is expected in 2025.
Moreover, the directive mandates that a broad range of devices sold in the EU must adopt USB-C ports by December 28th, 2024. It also stipulates that devices supporting fast charging must comply with the USB PD standard, permits the unbundling of charging bricks from retail devices, and enhances consumer awareness regarding device power requirements through improved labeling.
