As of Dec. 28, Apple is required to use usb c for the charging port of iPhones in the European Union. For that reason, the tech company is pulling a number of iPhones from sale on that day.
Apple has always developed and used proprietary charging ports for iPhones. First, the company used the 30-pin dock connector. Starting with the iPhone 5, Apple switched to the Lightning port on iPhones. Until the iPhone 14, the company continued with that. With the iPhone 15, that changed again, and Apple began using usb c ports on iPhones.
The company did not do so voluntarily. In fact, the European Union required Apple to make the switch. Currently, Apple still sells two models with a Lightning port: the iPhone 14 and the iPhone SE. Because the legislation mandating usb c ports applies as of Dec. 28, apple would stop selling those devices in the EU as of that day, according to iGeneration.
Stocks of iPhones may be sold first
The news does not mean that as of Dec. 28, it will immediately become impossible to pick up an iPhone 14 or iPhone SE anywhere. In fact, companies selling the devices will be allowed to use up their stock first, before they are required to remove the iPhones from sale.
Should stocks run out quickly, it does mean there will be no cheaper iPhone on the European market for some time. The iPhone SE is the entry-level model that Apple uses to sell to people who like a slightly simpler iPhone than the latest models. VOor next year, fortunately, a new SE is planned.
The Lightning port as used until the iPhone 14. (Image: Unsplash)
Lightning port did not immediately disappear
In addition to the two iPhones, Apple is also pulling a version of the Magic Keyboard from sale. In fact, its version without Touch ID also still has a Lightning port.
Apple’s move puts an end to dedicated charging ports for iPhones after years. If everyone soon has a phone with usb c, it will be easier to borrow each other’s chargers and charge your own devices with just a single cable. It will be some time before that happens, though, because many people still have iPhones with a Lightning port.
