Apple Ceases Sales of iPhone 14 and iPhone SE in Multiple Countries
Apple has recently made a significant move by discontinuing the sale of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE 3rd generation in 29 countries, including parts of the U.K. This decision comes as a result of the EU Common Charger regulations, which require devices to use a USB-C charging port to reduce electronic waste. As a consequence, customers in these regions will no longer have access to the more affordable iPhone models, leading to an increase in prices for those looking to purchase an iPhone.
In compliance with the new regulations, Apple has confirmed that the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 are no longer available for purchase in certain parts of the U.K. On the U.K. Apple website, customers attempting to buy these models are met with a message stating the inability to sell the devices in Northern Ireland due to the EU regulations. However, customers in England, Wales, and Scotland can still place orders for these devices.
The pricing structure for Apple's iPhones has been impacted by this change, with the iPhone SE previously being a more budget-friendly option compared to other models. The iPhone 14, which was priced at $599, was the most affordable option before its discontinuation. Now, the cheapest iPhone available is the iPhone 15, priced at $699. This shift in pricing reflects the adjustments made by Apple to comply with the EU directive.
The EU directive, which came into force on December 28, 2024, mandated that electronic devices standardise the use of USB-C charging ports. Despite initial resistance from Apple, the company has transitioned its iPhone range to USB-C starting from the iPhone 15 model. This change has led to the withdrawal of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE from the market to meet the regulatory requirements.
Following the implementation of the EU directive, Apple's official websites in all 27 EU countries now only offer the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, iPhone 16, 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max for sale. However, third-party resellers still have remaining stocks of the discontinued models available for purchase. The ban on the sale of these models extends beyond the EU, affecting countries like Switzerland and parts of the U.K., such as Northern Ireland.
Despite the decline in sales of the iPhone SE and the anticipation of a new model, the discontinuation of these devices poses challenges for consumers in affected regions. While third-party resellers may still offer the discontinued models, the official Apple stores and websites have ceased sales of the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE due to the regulatory changes.
Apple discontinues sales of iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE in 29 countries, including parts of the U.K.
EU Common Charger regulations require devices to use USB-C charging ports, leading to the withdrawal of Lightning connector iPhones.
Pricing structure adjusted, with iPhone 15 becoming the cheapest model at US$699.
Source: FORBES