Tech Desk 
Dec 28, 2024
Apple has stopped selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in most European Union countries due to new legislation requiring all smartphones to have a USB-C port. This decision affects customers in countries like Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.
This change means that customers in the EU would no longer have access to some of the more affordable iPhone models. The iPhone 14, introduced in September 2022, and the iPhone SE 3, launched in March 2022, were popular choices for those looking for a budget-friendly option with reliable performance.
The removal of these models from the market leaves a gap that Apple would need to address with future releases.
Why Apple has stopped selling iPhones to EU customers
The new EU legislation mandated that companies update their products with a USB-C port by Saturday, December 28, 2024.
As a result, Apple has removed the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the 3rd generation iPhone SE from its online store in most EU countries. However, these models are still available in the UK, which is no longer part of the EU.
With the introduction of the iPhone 15 in 2023, Apple made the USB-C port standard across all iPhone models. The company also updated its accessories, such as AirPods and Magic Mouse, with a USB-C port.
Despite this, Apple continued to sell the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE with the Lightning connector. For EU customers, this means missing out on the cheapest iPhones for now.
Apple is rumoured to introduce a new, redesigned iPhone SE with a USB-C port early next year. This could be why the company didn't bother updating the current version for the EU market.
As for the iPhone 14, it would likely be discontinued in September 2025 with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup.
