Apple to stop selling these iPhones in Europe as 2022 law deadline approaches – Times of India

Apple will reportedly stop selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE in the European Union (EU) later this month. With this move, the Cupertino-based tech giant will be able to comply with a 2022 EU regulation requiring all smartphones with wired charging ports to use USB-C. These iPhone models mentioned above currently use Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, which does not comply with the EU rule.

What Apple may have to do to comply with EU rules

According to a report by the French blog iGeneration (translated by MacRumors), starting December 28, when the new EU regulation takes effect, Apple will reportedly have to stop selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE in its online and retail stores across the EU as these models use the Lightning connector instead of the mandated USB-C charging port. The phase-out may begin even earlier in Switzerland, with the devices potentially being removed from Apple’s online store as of December 20th.
However, authorised resellers in the EU will be allowed to continue selling these iPhones until their existing stock runs out. Apple is also reportedly planning to discontinue other Lightning-based products in the EU, including the extended Magic Keyboard without Touch ID. However, the company has not confirmed the report yet.
The affected countries include the 27 EU member states, as well as Northern Ireland, which still adheres to many EU trade laws despite the UK’s exit from the bloc.
The EU’s USB-C port regulation, effective December 28, will apply to all new iPhones sold in the EU after that date, even existing models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE. This means Apple cannot sell any iPhones manufactured after December 28 with a Lightning port, regardless of when the model was initially launched. The regulation aims to standardise charging ports and reduce electronic waste.
“Even though a product model or type has been supplied before new Union harmonization legislation laying down new mandatory requirements entered into force, individual units of the same model or type, which are placed on the market after the new requirements have become applicable, must comply with these new requirements.” the EU rule states.