The end of “cheap” iPhones in Europe? Several sources indicate that these three models will stop being sold on December 31

There are only two weeks left to be able to buy an iPhone SE 3 or an iPhone 14 and 14 Plus if you live in the European Union. Some media like the French iGeneration reported it yesterday and Applesfera allowed us to obtain confirmation from reliable sources. And everything This is due to what European legislation requires regarding USB-Ca port that none of these devices have.

Why these iPhones, why now and why in Europe

For several years, the European Commission has been pursuing single charge standard for devices such as mobile phones, tablets, computers or headphones. The chosen standard was USB-C and two years ago the European directive was approved which set a limit for manufacturers which is about to be finalized.

The tallest establishment in Europe will force devices like the iPhone to be sold with USB-C starting January 1, 2025. And although Apple left Lightning out of all its product and accessory lines, there were still the aforementioned iPhone SE (3rd generation – 2022), iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with this old connector. And even if the arrival of the iPhone 16 has not taken them out of the catalog, they will have to flee from now on.

And it will not only be Apple's business, but also other authorized distributors. On December 31 at 11:59 p.m. we will face the last minute where devices like those mentioned can be sold legally, but only in the European Union. So in other territories, we could continue to see Apple and other retailers selling phones with Lightning.

This news could really be considered a no-brainer, even though Apple has yet to officially confirm it. As we mentioned in the introduction, sources close to distributors and Apple were able to confirm to Applesfera that in fact, on January 1, the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 14 series will no longer be available in any store, neither physical nor online.

The iPhone SE 4 is on the horizon. And yes, with USB-C

Although 2025 is the year we hope to see the iPhone 17, including an interesting iPhone 17 Air with new design features, the truth is that these point more towards September, the month in which we traditionally see the highest range of Apple mobile phones. . Before, in the spring, the iPhone SE 4 is expected.

Around the month of March We might see a much-anticipated launch considering it will be three years since the launch of the iPhone SE 3. According to the leaks, This fourth generation will look a lot like the iPhone 14precisely one of the devices that we will no longer see in Europe in 2025.

As it stands, a new “all-screen” design is expected (we'll see if it has a notch or a dynamic island) with a 6.1-inch OLED panel, USB-C and a single camera on the back. As a brain, one would expect at least an A17 Pro, given that this is the minimum processor capable of supporting Apple Intelligence. An AI which, moreover, has already confirmed its arrival in Europe and in Spanish for April, so this iPhone SE arouses even more interest.

This will be when, we assume, the iPhone SE 3 as well as the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus disappear from Apple's catalog worldwide. For now, anyone living in Europe who wants to acquire one should hurry.

Cover image | Anna Martí for Xataka

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