The European Union’s new common charger regulation, mandating USB-C ports for electronic devices like smartphones, has led to the discontinuation of sales for older iPhone models with Lightning connectors in 29 countries, including all EU member states, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland. This regulation, aimed at reducing electronic waste, came into effect on December 28, 2024, and affects the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the 3rd generation iPhone SE. While Apple has transitioned its newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series) and other products to USB-C, these older models remained reliant on the Lightning connector, necessitating their removal from sale to comply with the new rules.
The most significant impact of this change is the increased cost of entry-level iPhones in the affected regions. The iPhone SE, known for its affordability, offered a substantially lower price point compared to other iPhone models. With the SE no longer available, the cheapest option becomes the iPhone 15, significantly raising the minimum expenditure for consumers seeking an Apple smartphone. This price gap leaves a noticeable void in the market, especially for budget-conscious buyers. While the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus also offered lower price points compared to the iPhone 15 series and iPhone 16 models, their discontinuation further limits affordable options.
Although Apple has removed these models from its official online and physical stores in the affected regions, consumers can still find them at third-party retailers selling remaining stock. For example, platforms like Amazon continue to offer the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in some EU countries, providing a temporary reprieve for buyers seeking these older models. However, this supply is finite and expected to dwindle over time. The availability at third-party retailers does not contravene the EU regulation, as it applies to new sales by manufacturers rather than existing inventory held by other vendors.
The geographic reach of the ban extends beyond the EU’s official borders. Switzerland, while not an EU member, often aligns its regulations with the bloc, leading to the application of the USB-C mandate. The more complex case is Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, which exited the EU in 2020. Due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, designed to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland (an EU member), the region remains subject to certain EU rules, including the common charger regulation. This unique situation explains the unavailability of the Lightning-port iPhones in Northern Ireland while they remain accessible in other parts of the U.K. (England, Scotland, and Wales).
The timing of this change coincides with rumors surrounding a potential fourth-generation iPhone SE, expected to launch as early as March 2025. This new model is anticipated to feature a USB-C port, aligning with the new regulations. However, preliminary reports suggest that the next-generation SE may not retain the same affordability as its predecessor, potentially perpetuating the issue of increased entry-level iPhone prices. The phasing out of the existing SE, coupled with uncertainty about the pricing of its successor, creates a period of flux for consumers seeking budget-friendly iPhone options.
Looking beyond Europe, the EU’s move towards a common charger standard has garnered global attention. While other countries are likely observing the impact of this legislation, immediate ramifications elsewhere are expected to be minimal. Even if other jurisdictions were to adopt similar regulations quickly, it’s unlikely they would take effect before the iPhone 14 is globally discontinued, an event predicted to occur later in 2025. Therefore, while the EU’s decision sets a precedent, its direct influence on other markets in the short term will likely be limited, particularly concerning the affected iPhone models, which are nearing the end of their typical sales cycle.
