Apple Annuls iPhone 14 and iPhone SE Production for Millions of Prospective Buyers
Apple Annuls iPhone 14 and iPhone SE Production for Millions of Prospective Buyers
Updated Dec. 29 with additional information regarding the impact on certain regions within the U.K.
Currently, three iPhone models from Apple's lineup use a Lightning connector: the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, and the third generation of the iPhone SE. Apple has decided to discontinue the sale of these devices in 29 countries, including a portion of the U.K. Will this affect more countries? Apple has now confirmed that the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 are no longer available for purchase in one area of the U.K.
On the U.K. Apple website, if a consumer attempts to purchase an iPhone SE, for instance, they will encounter a message on the payment page: "In accordance with EU Common Charger regulations, we can no longer sell this device in Northern Ireland. Customers in England, Wales, and Scotland may still purchase this device."
The same message applies to the payment pages for the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus.
As a result of this decision, consumers will find it more costly to acquire an iPhone in these countries. The iPhone SE was a budget-friendly option, priced at $170 less than the iPhone 14, at $429. Now, the least expensive iPhone is the iPhone 15, costing $699.
Though pricing adjustments differ slightly in euros or EU countries' local currencies, there are no options within the range that can match the affordability of the iPhone SE.
This situation is expected to persist for a few months, as the fourth-generation iPhone SE could potentially be available as early as March 2025. Yet, recent reports indicate that it may not be as budget-friendly as its predecessor that recently disappeared from shelves.
The situation stems from an EU directive that takes effect on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The objective is to limit electronic waste by requiring manufacturers to ensure that devices such as cameras, phones, and tablets all utilize the same charging port (and cable): USB-C.
Initially, Apple opposed this move, fearing that such a requirement could hinder innovation. However, the change was implemented, and Apple modified its iPhones to use USB-C starting with the iPhone 15 series. Also, all iPad, AirPods, Magic Mouse, and Magic Keyboard connectors now utilize USB-C exclusively.
This change required Apple to withdraw the three iPhone models listed above that relied on Lightning, ensuring compliance by Dec. 28.
This transition occurred on Friday, Dec. 27, as customers visiting Apple websites in EU countries discovered that only the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, iPhone 16, 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max are now up for sale.
Customers in the EU still have a chance to acquire these phones, as third-party retailers are authorized to sell any remaining stock. For example, the iPhone 14 is currently on sale on Amazon in Spain. Similarly, Amazon Germany still has the third-generation iPhone SE available for purchase.
Switzerland, outside the EU, is subject to the ban as well, as it maintains similar regulations. The U.K., which left the EU in 2020, is affected in Northern Ireland due to special trading rules that help prevent a border between the Irish Republic and the British-ruled area in the north. Thus, purchases of the affected phones are no longer permitted in Belfast.
There is no official Apple Store in the Republic of Ireland, and the Irish Apple website no longer offers the Lightning iPhones, not even in the refurbished section.
Though sales of the iPhone SE may be on a decline, and a new model should be released soon, this situation remains less than ideal.
What are the ramifications beyond Europe? Other countries have been observing developments closely, but the impact will likely be minimal. Even if legislation is introduced promptly, it is unlikely to take effect before the iPhone 14 is phased out worldwide, which is expected to occur this fall.
- Some users in the U.K. who were planning to purchase the iPhone SE or iPhone 14 have been unable to find these models on Apple's website, receiving a message about the EU regulatory changes affecting Northern Ireland.
- Apple's decision to discontinue the sale of the iPhone SE 3rd generation and certain iPhone 14 models in the U.K. has led to a shortage of budget-friendly options, with the iPhone 15 now being the least expensive iPhone available.
- Affected iPhone models, such as the iPhone SE 3rd generation, are still available for purchase from third-party retailers in Europe, like Amazon Spain and Germany, with the situation likely to persist until a new, more affordable iPhone model, such as the rumored iPhone SE 3rd generation, is released.