Today, Apple marked the third-generation iPhone SE, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus as unavailable on its online store in Switzerland, in anticipation of a European regulation requiring USB-C ports for smartphones with wired charging capabilities.
The end of an era
Although Switzerland is not a member of the EU, it adheres to European market regulations due to its participation in the single market. The iPhone SE and iPhone 14 series, which still use Lightning ports, are being phased out in response to this impending law, which will affect all smartphones released for sale after the deadline, regardless of age.
Since late 2023, we have known that iPhones would stop being sold in Apple’s retail and online stores in the EU from December 28, when the mandatory USB-C port regulations come into effect. The Swiss withdrawal, which came a week earlier, confirms this timetable, suggesting that similar action will soon follow in all 27 EU countries, including major markets such as France, Germany and Italy. Note that although the UK is no longer part of the EU, Northern Ireland follows these rules.
Apple Authorized Resellers in the EU can sell their existing inventory, but once sold out, these models will no longer be available. Apple is set to launch a fourth-generation iPhone SE with USB-C in March, ensuring a quick return to the EU market. There is even talk of an iPhone 16e.
Here’s what you can find on theSwiss Apple Store :
The iPhone 14 is no longer available for purchase.Without these regulations, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus likely would have remained on sale until September, meaning their discontinuation comes about nine months earlier than expected. A word of advice, don’t buy an iPhone with a Lightning port anymore, all the accessories that come out focus on USB-C. Currently, the iPhone 16 is on sale.
