Apple to discontinue iPhone sales to millions of users in 12 days

Apple will soon stop selling three of its iPhone models with Lightning connectors in the European Union, in compliance with a new regulation that takes effect on December 28, 2024.

The affected models, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation), will no longer be available for purchase in the 27 EU member countries.

This move follows the European Union's decision in 2022, which mandates that all smartphones and certain electronic devices sold within its borders must be equipped with a USB-C port.

The regulation aims to reduce electronic waste by standardizing charging ports across devices.

Although Apple had initially opposed the proposal, the company began transitioning to USB-C connectors in 2023 with the release of the iPhone 15. It has also gradually adopted USB-C for its iPads and other devices.

The discontinuation of the Lightning-connector iPhones marks the final phase of Apple’s shift toward USB-C, with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE being the last models to feature the Lightning port in the EU.

As of December 28, 2024, these models will be removed from Apple Stores and other retail outlets in EU countries.