Apple's Lightning Port Meets Its Demise: EU Mandate Forces iPhone 14 and SE Out of the Market
"EU forces Apple to drop iPhone 14 & SE. Lightning port era ends. USB-C mandate takes effect."
Matilda
Apple's Lightning Port Meets Its Demise: EU Mandate Forces iPhone 14 and SE Out of the Market
The European Union's long-awaited push for a standardized charging port has finally arrived, and Apple, the last major holdout, has been forced to comply. A new regulation, effective December 28, 2024, mandates that all smartphones sold within the EU must be equipped with a USB-C port for wired charging. This move aims to reduce electronic waste by curbing the proliferation of incompatible chargers and cables, a goal that has been years in the making. Apple's Resistance and the Inevitable Shift Apple has long championed its proprietary Lightning port, arguing that it offers superior performance, faster charging speeds, and enhanced data transfer capabilities. However, the EU's unwavering stance, coupled with mounting pressure from consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers, ultimately led to Apple's concession. The impact of this regulation is immediately evident. Apple has quietly removed the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE from its online store…
