Apple has started pulling the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus from its online store in Switzerland, ahead of a new EU regulation that requires all new phones sold in the European Union to have USB-C charging ports. The move comes about a week before the December 28th deadline, and it's likely that other EU countries will follow suit soon.

The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus lack USB-C ports, relying on Apple's proprietary Lightning port instead. The EU regulation aims to standardize charging ports across the region, making it easier for consumers to use a single charger for multiple devices. Apple's decision to remove these models from its Swiss online store is seen as a proactive step to comply with the upcoming regulation.

The removal was first spotted by MacRumors, based on a report from French publication iGeneration earlier this month. The Verge has since confirmed that the Swiss online Apple Store will display a "currently unavailable" message for any configuration of the iPhone SE, iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus if you try to add it to your cart. However, other online Apple Stores in EU countries, such as France and Spain, currently still have the phones in stock.

It's unclear why Apple decided to pull stock from Switzerland a week early or if it will do the same with other countries. Apple has not provided a comment on the matter, despite being reached out to by The Verge. The company's decision to switch to USB-C for the iPhone 15 in 2023 was also driven by the EU regulation, which has been in the works for several years.

The iPhone SE, in particular, is expected to get a fourth-gen model in early 2025, which is rumored to feature USB-C and other upgrades like an OLED display. This move will bring the iPhone SE in line with the rest of Apple's iPhone lineup, which has already transitioned to USB-C.

The EU's push for a standardized charging port is seen as a win for consumers, who will no longer need to carry multiple chargers for their devices. The regulation is also expected to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability in the tech industry. As the deadline approaches, other manufacturers are likely to follow Apple's lead and comply with the new regulation.

In the broader context, the EU's regulation is part of a larger effort to promote a more sustainable and consumer-friendly tech industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more regulations aimed at reducing waste and promoting standardization. Apple's proactive move to comply with the regulation is a positive step towards a more sustainable future for the tech industry.