EU Customers Face iPhone Shortage as Apple Pulls iPhone 14 and SE from Shelves
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1. EU Customers Face iPhone Shortage as Apple Pulls iPhone 14 and SE from Shelves
- 2. Loss of Affordable Options
- 3. USB-C Adoption and Availability
- 4. iPhone SE and iPhone 14: What’s Next for Apple’s Smartphone Lineup?
- 5. iPhone Rumors: A Look Ahead
Apple has officially pulled the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE (3rd generation) from its online store in most European union countries. This move comes as a direct result of EU legislation requiring all smartphones sold in the region to be equipped with a USB-C port. Apple’s deadline to comply was December 28th, and it appears the company chose to discontinue these models rather than retrofit them with the new charging standard.
Loss of Affordable Options
The removal of these iPhone models leaves a void in the EU market, especially for budget-conscious consumers. The iPhone SE and iPhone 14 were among Apple’s most affordable options, making them popular choices for those seeking value without sacrificing the iPhone experience.
The iPhone 14, released in September 2022, offered a familiar design, mirroring the iPhone 13, but included notable upgrades like Emergency SOS via satellite. The iPhone SE 3, launched in March 2022, retained the classic iPhone 8 design with a Home button.
As of now, EU customers looking for an affordable iPhone will have to explore option models or consider pre-owned devices.
USB-C Adoption and Availability
Apple has embraced USB-C across its entire iPhone 15 lineup, introduced in 2023. Furthermore, the company has also updated most of its accessories to feature USB-C charging, including AirPods and the Magic Mouse. However, it seems Apple has chosen to retain the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE with their Lightning connectors temporarily, likely to clear existing stock.
These models remain available in the UK, which is no longer part of the european Union.