An obligation imposed by the EU
Adopted in 2022, the European directive requires that smartphones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU have USB-C ports from the end of 2024. The objective is to reduce electronic waste by limiting the proliferation of incompatible cables. This regulation applies to all devices released on the market after December 28, 2024. In response, Apple has started to integrate USB-C ports into its recent devices, such as the iPhone 15 and 16. But now, the older models Older ones equipped with Lightning ports, such as the iPhone 14 and SE, are no longer compliant and must be removed from the shelves.
What consequences for Apple?
Apple will therefore officially cease the sale of these models in the 27 countries of the European Union as of December 28. Countries like Switzerland, although outside the EU, will also apply similar rules from December 20. Resellers will be able to sell stocks already in circulation, but no new units will be produced or marketed.
This decision comes earlier than expected for the iPhone 14, which was initially expected to be removed from the catalog by the end of 2025. The iPhone SE, for its part, should quickly be replaced by a new generation planned for 2025, equipped with a USB-C port and more modern components, such as the A18 chip and a 5G modem designed by Apple.
What about used models?
As our very dear colleagues at MacG remind us, the refurbished devices will remain available after December 28, provided that they have been placed on the market before this date. Companies specializing in reconditioning, such as Recommerce, will therefore continue to offer Lightning iPhones, such as the iPhone 8 or the iPhone 14, as long as stocks continue.
An expected transition
With this decision, Apple aligns with new European requirements. If this change ends the era of Lightning for its recent devices, it also supports a global trend towards universal USB-C connectors. A real simplification for users, which personally makes me happy every day, not having to juggle several cables. Thank you Europe.