Two iPhone models will soon no longer be available for sale in France. Apple will withdraw them from the market to remain in compliance with European rules while waiting to replace them in 2025.
By the end of the year, several iPhone models will no longer be available for sale in France and the rest of the European Union. Apple is preparing to remove the third generation iPhone SE as well as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus from its shelves. As explained iGeneration who revealed the information, this decision results from the new European regulations which require the use of USB-C ports for electronic devices. From December 28, new smartphones equipped with the Lightning port can no longer be sold in Europe.
This directive on the universal charger aims to reduce electronic waste and simplify the lives of consumers, by imposing a single charging standard for a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and accessories such as headphones and keyboards . Apple, which has long used its proprietary Lightning port, has therefore chosen to withdraw these models from the European market rather than urgently adapt them to USB-C.
The affected iPhones will leave physical stores, Apple’s online site, as well as the area dedicated to refurbished products. However, authorized resellers will have the opportunity to sell their remaining stocks. At the same time, Apple will also stop the sale of certain accessories still using the Lightning port. Keyboards and mice should also switch entirely to USB-C in the near future.
This decision does not create a void for European consumers, as Apple has already started its transition to USB-C with the launch of the iPhone 15. Additionally, a new iPhone SE, planned for 2025, will follow the design of the iPhone 14 and will naturally be equipped with a USB-C port. So while these early withdrawals may seem sudden, Apple is aligning with European demand while preparing the next generation of its devices.
Outside of Europe, the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 models will continue to be sold until 2025, before being permanently replaced by USB-C-equipped models. The withdrawal of products using Lightning therefore marks the end of an era for Apple, which introduced this technology in 2012. From 2025, USB-C will become the single standard for all iPhones, thus putting an end to over ten years of dominating the Lightning Port.