The era of the Lightning port is coming to an end at Apple, at least in Europe. After removing the Lightning port from AirPods, a major change is expected in the distribution of iPhones, directly linked to the new European regulations on USB-C.
The scheduled end of the latest Lightning iPhones
As seen last year, Apple is preparing to withdraw several iPhone models from sale in the European Union by December 28, 2024. This decision specifically concerns the iPhone SE (3rd generation), the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 14 Plus, the latest models still equipped with the Lightning port. The withdrawal will begin on December 20 in certain European countries, to gradually extend to others. This measure also extends to Switzerland, although the country is not part of the European Union, demonstrating Apple’s desire to harmonize its commercial strategy in Europe.
The European directive on the universal charger requires manufacturers to equip their devices with a USB-C port from December 28, 2024. Authorized resellers will be able to continue to sell their existing stocks, although the situation remains less clear regarding products reconditioned. This regulation also affects certain Apple accessories equipped with the Lightning port, such as the extended keyboard without Touch ID.
For iPhone SE fans, good news is on the horizon: Apple plans to launch the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. This new model will adopt a modernized design inspired by the iPhone 14, of course including the port USB-C. But there will be a period of a few months where the iPhone SE will be a completely non-existent lineup. A first.
Outside the European Union, Apple will continue to market these Lightning models until their natural replacement: the iPhone SE until the arrival of its successor, and the iPhone 14 until September 2025. This transition definitely marks the end of an era for Apple’s proprietary connector, which will have equipped the brand’s devices for more than a decade.
