Significant gap in iPhone lineup after Apple withdraws several models from sale in the EU

Starting today, several iPhones are expectedly no longer available on the official Apple Store in the EU. Specifically, this change affects the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and the third-gen iPhone SE. The withdrawal of the two iPhone 14 models from sale shouldn’t pose much of an issue for the company, manageable with a shift in production strategy, and may even boost the sales of their successors. On the other hand, the involuntary end of the iPhone SE could be trickier for Apple. With the budget model discontinued, Apple currently doesn’t offer any option for people who don’t want to spend too much on a smartphone and yet still want an iPhone. Rumours suggest the iPhone SE 4 is set to launch in Spring 2025.

Although the three smartphones aren't available directly from Apple any more, not much seems to have changed about their general availability. For instance, the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone SE can still be purchased from third-party retailers. Background of the product withdrawal: The EU’s Common Charger Directive comes into effect today, on 28 December 2024. This directive mandates USB-C charging ports for all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices, particularly affecting smartphones and tablets. The iPhones in question don't comply with this rule because they use Lightning connectors instead of USB-C ports.