Apple is set to introduce the fourth-generation iPhone SE in spring 2025, and it will feature a USB-C port. This change is primarily in response to the European Union's new regulations mandating that all smartphones sold in the EU must have USB-C charging ports starting January 2025[1][2][4][5].
Currently, the third-generation iPhone SE, along with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, is being phased out in Europe due to their use of the older Lightning port, which does not comply with the upcoming regulations. Apple has decided not to update these models with USB-C ports and instead will discontinue them by the end of 2024[1][2][3].
The new iPhone SE is expected to adopt design elements similar to the iPhone 14, including an edge-to-edge display and improved camera features, while also aligning with global charging standards by incorporating USB-C[2][4][6]. This marks a significant shift for Apple, as it transitions away from its proprietary Lightning connector that has been in use since the iPhone 5[4][9].
Citations:[1] https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/13/apple-stop-selling-14-se-usb-c-lightning/
[2] https://www.techtimes.com/articles/308720/20241213/apple-axes-iphone-se-14-series-eus-usb-c-rules-spark-big-changes.htm
[3] https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/20/24325893/apple-usb-c-eu-iphone-se-iphone-14-iphone-14-plus
[4] https://humenglish.com/technology/iphone-14-sales-end-14dec/
[5] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/09/27/iphone-se-4-details/
[6] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/apple-s-next-gen-iphone-se-what-to-expect-besides-face-id-usb-c-connector-124101400241_1.html
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/iPhoneSE/comments/19fjks4/usbc_ruling/
[8] https://www.heise.de/en/news/USB-C-becomes-mandatory-Apple-is-actually-removing-older-iPhones-from-its-range-10216650.html
[9] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/20/iphone-14-iphone-se-unavailable-in-switzerland/
[10] https://www.threads.net/@tryngles/post/DDjJttTzPa4/media
[11] https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2024/12/14/apple-iphone-se-cancelled-european-union-usb-c-charging-regulations/