Apple to Discontinue Sales of iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in EU as USB-C Deadline Arrives

Apple will stop the sales of its iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in Europe by the end of the year as the European Union’s USB-C universal charging mandate comes into effect.

By the end of the year, iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus will be taken off the market in the EU. As reported by iGeneration, these devices are in direct violation of the EU’s policy. This policy goes into full effect in January 2025. Thus, Apple will have to ensure it removes these devices from Europe prior to this or face fines.

Apple is forced to comply with the EU’s new regulatory standard for charging ports. Rather than leverage and use its proprietary Lightning port, Apple is now ordered to use USB-C charging. This has already affected all new Apple products since the iPhone 15 generation. However, it still leaves the third-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus on the market with the Lightning port standard.

While Apple could have chosen to recall these devices upon the EU passing this policy and integrated USB-C charging, it chose not to. Instead, the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus will have to be pulled from store shelves and will no longer be available to order in the EU.

While the removal of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus may be disappointing for some Apple users, the iPhone SE will return next year. The new entry-level device will feature some notable refreshes. For instance, on top of adopting USB-C charging, the fourth-generation iPhone SE is believed to be mimicking the iPhone 14 design with minimal bezels and a better camera array.

This all being said, iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus will continue to be sold in Canada and other major markets throughout 2025. However, once next year’s iPhone 17 arrives, it’s unlikely that iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus will continue to proliferate on the market.