Apple to Discontinue Sale of iPhone Models with Lightning Port in the EU by December 28, 2024

Islamabad:Apple is set to stop selling three of its iPhone models, including those with the Lightning connector, in the European Union, effective December 28, 2024. The affected models are the **iPhone 14**, **iPhone 14 Plus**, and **iPhone SE (3rd generation)**, which will no longer be available for purchase in the 27 EU member states.

This move comes in response to a **2022 EU decision**, which mandated that all smartphones and certain electronic devices sold within the Union must feature a **USB-C port**. The new regulation aims to reduce electronic waste by standardizing charging ports across devices.

While Apple initially opposed this proposal, the company began transitioning to USB-C connectors with the release of the **iPhone 15** in 2023. Apple has also gradually adopted USB-C for its **iPads** and other devices.

The discontinuation of iPhones with the Lightning connector marks the final phase of Apple’s transition to USB-C, with the **iPhone 14**, **iPhone 14 Plus**, and **iPhone SE** being the last models in the EU to feature the Lightning port.

As of **December 28, 2024**, these models will be removed from **Apple Stores** and other retail outlets within the European Union.