Apple enthusiasts in the European Union looking to purchase the iPhone SE or iPhone 14 will be disappointed, as all Lightning port devices have been removed from stores.
As of December 28, the European Union’s regulations mandating USB-C as the universal charging standard for smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices officially took effect, prompting Apple to remove its Lightning-based devices from retail locations.
Devices such as the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE were completely taken off the shelves at Apple Stores on Friday. This shift aligns with the EU’s commitment to promoting a standardized charging solution.
Following these changes, Lightning port devices are no longer available for purchase online across multiple EU countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The removal of these products has been confirmed across various reports.
While the EU law applies only within its member states, Apple remains able to sell Lightning products in the United States and other regions.
The USB-C charging mandate, approved in 2022, requires companies to adopt this standard by the end of 2024. Apple indicated that the iPhone 15 would be the first device to transition away from the Lightning port, reintroducing a USB-C connection. By September 2024, all products utilizing the Lightning port will be replaced with USB-C alternatives.
As the iPhone 14 has been succeeded by the USB-C-equipped iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the iPhone SE remains unchanged since its last update in 2022. EU consumers eager to purchase Apple’s most affordable iPhone model will need to hold off until a new version is expected to launch in March, which will feature a USB-C charging port.
