As of December 27, Apple has stopped selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE in all EU member states, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This decision follows regulations that require electronic devices sold in these countries to have USB-C charging ports, which these models lack.
The European Common Charge Directive 2022/2380, which sets new rules for radio equipment sold in the European Union, came into force on December 28. Among other things, it mandates that most gadgets — including phones, tablets and cameras — be charged via USB-C in a bid to reduce e-waste and address market fragmentation.
In addition to the need for USB-C ports, the directive stipulates that devices that support fast charging must comply with the USB Power Delivery standard, enabling faster charging speeds and up to 240 watts of power. Devices must also come with clear labels that inform customers of charging standards and capabilities.
Why is this guidance needed?
The universal charging standard ensures that one charger can work for multiple devices, eliminating the need to own or purchase different cables. It also prevents manufacturers from bundling their own chargers with their products and adding the associated cost to the price.
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Furthermore, USB-C standardization creates a level playing field for accessory makers by removing proprietary technologies like Apple’s Lightning Port, allowing them to design products compatible with all devices without restrictions or licensing fees.
The iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE — as well as the Magic Keyboard — all come with a Lightning port, which has now been removed from Apple’s online stores in most EU countries, according to what has been reported. MacRumors. The phase-out began around December 20, after the devices were discontinued in Switzerland.
With the UK leaving the European Union in 2020, the devices can still be purchased in England, Wales and Scotland; However, the devices are not available in Northern Ireland, as they operate in the EU’s single market. These Apple devices are still available outside of Europe, such as the US, India and China.
Apple authorized resellers in the European Union will be able to continue selling Lightning-enabled iPhones until supplies last, according to the French website. iGenerationwhich also broke the news of the impending suspension on December 13.
The tech giant initially claimed that EU regulation “stifles innovation” in a statement Reuters In 2020; Apple eventually relented, adding USB-C ports to the iPhone 15 series in 2023. Europe accounts for more A quarter of Apple’s total revenueTherefore, losing the market will cost the company dearly.
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Does the new regulation affect customers who already own these models?
The new law does not affect customers who currently own these devices; However, it prevents manufacturers from selling USB-C-enabled phones in the mass, even if they are on the market before December 28. And all the iPads and AirPods that Apple sells are actually USB-C only.
While the directive means the cheapest iPhones are no longer available in the EU, it’s likely that Apple’s standard product timeline would have seen the iPhone 14 series discontinued in September 2025 had it not come into effect when it did. In fact, the fourth generation iPhone SE With USB-C connection It was scheduled to be released In early 2025.