Report indicates that Apple Intends to Cease Provision of iPhone 14 to Millions of Customers Within Two Weeks
Apple's three iPhone models with Lightning connectors are set to be taken off the market in the EU within a few days, as per a recent report. This move is in compliance with an EU regulation that takes effect towards the end of the year. Despite anticipation, the news still seems unexpected. Here's why.
The EU made a decree in 2022, mandating that all phones and certain gadgets offered in its 27 member states must feature a USB-C port. Apple initially opposed this shift, but eventually introduced the iPhone 15 with a USB-C connector in 2023, and subsequently transitioned its iPad range to USB-C as well.
The regulation was slated to take effect by the end of this year, 2024. Consequently, Apple will withdraw its iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE 3 generation devices with Lightning connectors from sale in all 27 EU countries starting December 28, as reported by MacRumors.
A French report by iGeneration indicates that Apple Stores in EU countries will no longer stock the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 and 14 Plus models, as they are the last to carry a Lightning port. Other retailers may continue selling these iPhones until they exhaust their stock.
Switzerland, although not an EU member, is expected to discontinue these three iPhone models even sooner. The report suggests they could disappear from shelves as early as December 20.
Northern Ireland, a part of the U.K., is the only EU-affected country with special rules due to its role in preserving the open border across Ireland.
The surprise lies in the confusion surrounding the directive's implications when it was first introduced. When I enquired if this regulation would result in the removal of all existing Lightning-connector iPhones or only affect new models, Apple maintained that it was a matter for discussion.
If the report verifies, then consumers in these countries will only have a short time to purchase one of the affected iPhones from Apple Stores.
The EU regulation, implemented in 2022, necessitates all new phones and certain gadgets sold in its 27 member states to have a USB-C port. Despite Apple's initial opposition, they introduced the iPhone 15 with a USB-C connector in 2023 and transitioned the iPad range as well.
Following this regulation, Apple will withdraw the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE 3 generation devices with Lightning connectors from sale in all 27 EU countries starting December 28. This information was reported by MacRumors.
According to a French report by iGeneration, Apple Stores in EU countries will cease stocking the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 and 14 Plus models, as they are the last to feature a Lightning port. Other retailers may continue selling these iPhones until their stock runs out.
Switzerland, although not an EU member, is expected to discontinue these three iPhone models even sooner, potentially by December 20. The report suggests these models could be removed from shelves earlier in Switzerland.
When the regulation was first introduced, there was confusion about whether it would affect all existing Lightning-connector iPhones or only impact new models. Apple stated that this was a matter for further discussion.
