Apple Annuls iPhone 14 and iPhone SE Production for Millions of Potential Customers
Apple Annuls iPhone 14 and iPhone SE Production for Millions of Potential Customers
In the current Apple lineup, three devices featuring a Lightning connector have been discontinued in 29 countries, including parts of the UK. These devices are the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE 3 generation. The reason behind this global pullout stems from an EU directive that came into effect on December 28, 2024. This directive aims to reduce electronic waste by enforcing manufacturers to use a unified charging port for devices such as cameras, phones, and tablets - the USB-C.
Apple resisted this requirement, claiming it could hinder innovation. Nonetheless, the EU went through with the change, and Apple consequently moved its iPhone series to USB-C with the introduction of the iPhone 15. The same applies to iPad, AirPods, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboard connectors.
With this shift, Apple's iPhone range now features the devices with USB-C, necessitating the withdrawal of the three Lightning models by December 28, 2024. This was executed on December 27, 2024, as customers in all 27 EU countries discovered only the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, iPhone 16, 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max were being sold online.
Residing in the EU does not necessarily mean it's too late to purchase these models. Third-party resellers are permitted to sell remaining stocks, such as the iPhone 14, still available on Amazon in Spain at the moment.
The restrictions extend beyond the EU. For instance, Switzerland, which aligns with the bloc on several issues, is also subject to this ban. Despite leaving the EU in 2020, Northern Ireland adheres to unique trading rules to prevent a border between Ireland and the British area in the north. Consequently, buying affected phones in Belfast is no longer possible.
There is a touch of irony since there is no official Apple Store in the Republic. Regarding the iPhone SE, sales may decline due to an anticipated spring 2025 successor. However, it's not an ideal situation for those who might have bought into the Lightning-based ecosystem.
The EU's measure might have eyes from other countries looking to introduce similar legislation. Despite the potential impact, the real effects will likely be minimal, as swift legislation implementation and impact before the iPhone 14's retirement from the global market is improbable, expected to occur this fall.
- Some customers who had planned to cancel their iPhone SE 3rd generation before the EU directive took effect might now reconsider, given that Apple is no longer selling any Lightning-based models.
- The iPhone cancellation date for the discontinued iPhone SE 3rd generation and other Lightning-based models is December 28, 2024, following Apple's shift to USB-C.
- As Apple moves towards a unified charging port, some users may consider switching to the iPhone SE 3rd generation if they prefer the Lightning connector, as it remains available from third-party resellers.