Apple to end sales of iPhone SE, iPhone 14 before EU’s USB-C deadline

WEB DESK: Apple is about to say goodbye to the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone 14 series by the end of 2024, all thanks to a new European Union rule that’s pushing for USB-C charging ports on all phones.

Right now, the iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus are the oldest models still sold directly by Apple, and they all use the Lightning port.

But with the EU’s new policy kicking in from January 2025, those devices are no longer up to code. Apple could have updated them with USB-C ports, but instead, it looks like the company is just going to retire them a bit sooner than expected.

But don’t worry, this isn’t a huge blow for Apple. In spring 2025, they’re expected to launch the new fourth-generation iPhone SE, and guess what? It’ll come with a USB-C port. It’s said to have a design similar to the iPhone 14, with an edge-to-edge display, a better camera, and of course, USB-C charging.

Usually, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus would stick around in the EU until the iPhone 17 drops in fall 2025.

So, Apple’s missing out on about a year of sales for these models in the EU. But outside the EU, the iPhone SE will still be available until the new one comes along, and the iPhone 14 series will continue selling until the end of 2025.

In the bigger picture, this marks the end of Apple’s Lightning port, which has been around since the iPhone 5.

The shift to USB-C, first introduced with the iPhone 15, has sparked some mixed feelings from users, who feel like Apple was a bit late to the game. Still, this move wraps up a long chapter in Apple’s history.

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