iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 3rd Generation No Longer Available in Most European Countries
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Apple has stopped selling certain iPhone models in a large number of European countries, including all 27 EU member states and Switzerland.As of December 28th, 2024, the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE 3rd generation are no longer available for purchase in these regions.
This move is a direct result of EU Directive 2022/2380, which mandates that small electronic devices, including smartphones, must utilize USB-C charging ports.apple initially opposed this directive,arguing that it could hinder innovation.However,the company ultimately complied and transitioned its iPhone lineup to USB-C charging with the iPhone 15 release.
A extensive investigation of Apple’s online stores across Europe reveals the extent of these changes.
in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus (support site onyl), Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE are entirely absent from online stores.
In bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, the situation is slightly different. while the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE remain listed, attempting to purchase them results in a “page not found” error. It is expected that these stores will be updated to match the others soon.
“As the EU shifts to a common charging solution built around USB-C,” as The Verge puts it, this move represents a important step towards reducing electronic waste and promoting standardized technology across the EU.
U.K.’s Partial Availability
The united Kingdom, which is no longer part of the EU, presents a unique case. While Apple has not wholly removed the three models from UK stores, they are not widely available, according to recent reports.
iPhone SE Disappears From Shelves in Europe and Northern Ireland
Apple has removed its cheapest iPhones, the iPhone SE and iPhone 14, from sale in all 27 EU countries and Northern Ireland due to new regulations requiring all smartphones to use USB-C charging ports. This means consumers in these regions looking for a budget-pleasant iPhone will now have to pay more, as the cheapest available model is the iPhone 15, starting at $699. The directive, which came into effect on December 28, mandated that any iPhone model reliant on the Lightning connector be withdrawn from sale. This move has left Apple fans scrambling for alternatives, although third-party resellers are still offering remaining stocks of the discontinued models. While this restriction directly affects EU member states and Northern Ireland, Switzerland, a non-EU country, has also adopted the charging port directive, meaning the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 are no longer available for purchase there either. Interestingly, although the Republic of Ireland boasts no official Apple Stores, the Irish Apple website also reflects the removal of Lightning-equipped iPhones, even in the refurbished section. This situation is highly likely temporary, as a new generation iPhone SE is expected to launch in March 2025. Though, reports suggest it might not be as budget-friendly as its predecessor. In the meantime, consumers looking for a more affordable option will have to explore option brands or search for remaining stock from third-party sellers. The global impact of this EU directive remains to be seen. Other countries are undoubtedly monitoring the situation, but it’s unlikely any similar regulations will be implemented before the iPhone 14 is phased out globally later this year.Apple iPhone 17 Pro Design Rumors Swirl
The highly anticipated release of the iPhone 17 Pro is still months away,but rumors about its design are already circulating. The latest reports suggest a potential shift in the traditional design language, creating a buzz among Apple enthusiasts.
According to recent reports on December 21, 2024, from Forbes, the iPhone 17 pro might feature a redesigned camera bump. These changes suggest apple’s commitment to refining its flagship device, even in subtle ways.
While the exact nature of the design changes remains speculative, the latest reports have certainly fueled the excitement surrounding the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro release.
## Archyde Interviews: The iPhone disappearance Across Europe
**Intro**
Welcome back to Archyde News.Today, we’re diving deep into the recent news of Apple withdrawing some of its popular iPhone models from the European market.Joining us to unpack this progress is tech analyst, Sarah Thompson. Sarah, thanks for being here.
**Sarah:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** Sarah, can you explain the situation for our audience who might not be up-to-date?
**Sarah:** Sure. Essentially, apple has stopped selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation)to most European countries. This is due to a new EU directive requiring all smartphones, including iPhones, to use USB-C charging ports. The directive came into effect on December 28th.
**Host:** so, Apple was forced to make this decision?
**Sarah:** Exactly. The new regulation means any iPhone model relying on Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector can no longer be legally sold in those countries. Apple initially resisted this change, arguing it could stifle innovation, but eventually complied when the iPhone 15 launched with a USB-C port.
**Host:** That makes sense. But what does this mean for consumers in Europe who where hoping to purchase a more affordable iPhone?
**Sarah:** Well, it’s a blow for budget-conscious buyers. The cheapest iPhone now available for purchase in most of thes countries is the iPhone 15, which starts at a substantially higher price point.
**Host:** So essentially, Apple is pushing consumers towards more expensive models?
**Sarah:** In essence, yes.While there may be some remaining stock of the discontinued models available through third-party resellers, those won’t last forever.
**Host:** What about the United Kingdom? Is it affected by this change,even though it’s no longer part of the EU?
**Sarah:** It’s a unique situation. While Apple hasn’t entirely removed the three models from UK online stores, they are becoming increasingly unavailable.
**Host:** So, this move essentially marks a major shift in the European smartphone landscape.
**Sarah:** Absolutely. This is a notable step towards standardization and reducing electronic waste. The EU’s decision is likely to have a ripple effect across the industry, pushing other manufacturers to adopt USB-C as the universal standard.
**Host:** Well,Sarah,thank you for providing such insightful analysis on this developing story.
**Sarah:**
My pleasure!
**Host:** That’s all for today’s interview.We’ll be closely following this story as it unfolds. Stay tuned to Archyde News for more updates.