London, UK – Apple has made significant changes to its iPhone lineup in response to new EU regulations regarding charging ports. Three iPhone models, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE 3rd generation, have been removed from sale in 29 countries, impacting consumers in the UK as well.

As a result of the EU Common Charger regulations, Apple has ceased the sale of iPhone SE devices in Northern Ireland, although customers in England, Wales, and Scotland can still place orders for these devices. This move has left consumers with fewer affordable iPhone options, as the iPhone SE was priced below other models in the range.

To comply with the EU directive requiring devices to use a standard charging port, Apple has transitioned its iPhone lineup to USB-C, discontinuing models with Lightning connectors. The affected iPhone models were withdrawn from sale by December 28, with only newer models now available for purchase in EU countries and Switzerland.

While the ban on Lightning connector iPhones extends beyond EU borders, impacting sales in the UK and Northern Ireland as well, third-party resellers still have remaining stocks available for purchase. However, the availability of the discontinued models is limited and expected to decline as new iPhone models are introduced.

Looking ahead, the EU directive will likely influence other countries to adopt similar regulations, although the immediate impact outside of Europe may be minimal. Apple’s decision to transition its iPhone lineup to USB-C reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward standardized charging ports to reduce electronic waste.

Overall, the removal of Lightning connector iPhones from the market highlights the challenges faced by tech companies in complying with evolving regulatory requirements while also meeting consumer demand for affordable and innovative products. The upcoming release of new iPhone models is anticipated to address these challenges while offering consumers updated features and design enhancements.