Apple Bids Farewell to Lightning Port iPhones in Europe
Apple is making a significant change to its European product lineup, bowing to pressure from the European Union’s new regulations on charging ports. The tech giant is discontinuing sales of several iPhone models in the EU, marking a departure from its long-standing use of the Lightning connector.
The affected models include the iPhone 14,iPhone 14 Plus,and iPhone SE (2022). These are the last iPhones currently sold in the EU that still utilize the Lightning port instead of the now-mandated USB-C. This move is a direct response to EU legislation requiring all newly sold smartphones with wired charging capabilities to adopt the USB-C standard.
the impact extends beyond iPhones. Apple will also cease sales of other products featuring the Lightning port in the EU, including the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID. This decision even affects northern Ireland, despite its status as part of the United Kingdom, which left the EU in 2020. Switzerland will also see these products removed from shelves,even sooner,by December 20th.
According to reports, this data comes from internal Apple communications. While Apple typically would have phased out the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus from EU markets next September, the new regulations have accelerated the timeline. The discontinuation of the iPhone SE (2022) is less impactful, as it’s expected to be replaced by a newer model next year.
This shift by Apple highlights the growing influence of EU regulations on global tech standards. While the immediate impact is felt in Europe, it could signal a broader trend towards USB-C adoption worldwide, potentially influencing Apple’s strategies in other markets as well. The long-term implications for consumers and the tech industry remain to be seen.
For U.S. consumers, this news serves as a reminder of the increasing global harmonization of tech standards and the potential ripple effects of international regulations on the products available domestically.
Which iPhone models are Apple discontinuing in the EU?
The article states that Apple is discontinuing sales of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (2022) in the EU. [[[1]]]
