Apple to Halt iPhone Sales in the EU Due to USB-C Mandate
Apple is gearing up to discontinue sales of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and the third-generation iPhone SE throughout European Union nations by the end of this month. This decision aligns with a new regulation that mandates all newly sold smartphones featuring wired charging systems be fitted with USB-C ports within these countries, as reported by French outlet iGeneration. The mentioned iPhone models currently utilize Lightning ports for their wired charging capabilities.
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Regulation Implementation Timeline
The latest report indicates that as of December 28 — when the regulation officially takes effect — Apple will cease its sales of these specific devices across both online platforms and physical stores within the EU. Certain countries might witness an even earlier phase-out; reports assert that Switzerland will see these products withdrawn from Apple’s online store starting December 20.
Sales Continuity for Authorized Resellers
Authorized resellers operating in the EU may continue marketing these older models until their existing stock runs out. This allowance ensures consumers still have access to them through alternative channels for a limited period.
Further Lightning-Based Products Affected
The upcoming regulations will also impact other Apple products utilizing Lightning connectors. Notably, items such as Apple’s Magic Keyboard — specifically versions without Touch ID — are also set to be discontinued due to their reliance on this outdated port structure.
The Landscape of European Union Countries
The European Union comprises a total of twenty-seven member states—including Austria, Belgium, Italy among others—while Northern Ireland remains affected due to ongoing compliance with several EU regulations post-Brexit one year later in January. Although England has exited fully from EU operations since January 2021, Northern Ireland continues its adherence leading it toward similar restrictions regarding device sales.
Insights from Internal Sources and Legislative Guidelines
This information emanates from internal communications at Apple disseminated among relevant teams prior to public release. Although requests for official comments were not answered by Apple at press time, updates may arrive should further confirmations or denials emerge on this matter.
As outlined by an EU guide published in late twenty-two regarding technical requirements: any iPhones introduced into circulation post-regulation must conform strictly regardless of prior model releases—as applicable here since devices like the aforementioned lines all utilize obsolete tech—impacting future shipments matching this description beyond December’s timeline.
In practical terms: starting after December legislation starts defining operation; even previously launched units would witness impediments should they feature dated charging paradigms.
The precise text phrasing states:
If products had been accessible before enacting stricter Union guidelines setting forth mandatory prerequisites; then following discoveries albeit same prototype thereafter provided services must meet emergent laws set forth during reintroducing market based practices.”
A Glimpse Ahead: Future Product Launch Plans
Anticipation surrounds forthcoming fourth-generation iterations like USB-C integrated versions reportedly positioned for unveiling come March thereby reestablishing presence immediately within such markets complying openly without having jumped too far ahead rather than entirely dropping discussions focused around phone provisions prematurely disappearing henceforth.
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