As of Dec. 27, Apple has stopped selling the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and third-generation iPhone SE in all E.U. member states, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This decision follows regulations requiring electronic devices sold in these countries to feature USB-C charging ports, which these models lack.
The European “Common Charging” Directive 2022/2380, which establishes new rules for radio equipment sold in the E.U., took effect on Dec. 28. Amongst other things, it mandates that most gadgets — including phones, tablets, and cameras — charge via USB-C in a bid to reduce e-waste and address market fragmentation.
Beyond requiring USB-C ports, the directive mandates that devices supporting fast charging comply with the USB Power Delivery…