On November 28, 2024, an important change will take effect for all Apple users in the EU.
The EU regulation (“Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment”) has been amended so that all new Apple devices must be equipped with a USB-C port in the future.
While Apple is not mentioned by name, it is made clear that smartphones, tablets, headphones, mice, keyboards and other device classes may only be placed on the market with a USB-C connector. Incidentally, this will also apply to laptops from April 28, 2026.
This automatically means that Apple devices with the previous proprietary Lightning connector will no longer be allowed to be sold in the EU after that date.
What does that mean exactly?
Affected Apple devices
The regulation not only includes iPhones and iPads, but also all peripherals such as Magic Mouse, Pencils, EarPods, AirPods, Smart Covers and Magic Keyboards.
“[…] to the extent that they are chargeable via a wired charging function, the […] categories or classes of radio equipment […] shall be equipped with the USB Type C connector in accordance with standard EN IEC 62680-1-3: 2021“
Regulation 2022/2380 (source)
Impact on device fleets at Everphone
Of course, the regulation also applies to our rental devices. Apple products such as the iPhone 14 and older models, as well as the iPhone SE (3rd generation and older), cannot be added to new device fleets after 2025.
Devices already in circulation are not affected; they can of course continue to be used.
Rental prolongation—cost-efficient and sustainable
A smart solution to maximize the use of your existing device fleet is to prolong the rental period by twelve months.
This way, the devices remain in use for longer—at particularly attractive conditions. Since this is also the simplest option for us, we can offer you discounts on rental prices if you extend your rental period. Just talk to your account manager.
In addition, it is also the most sustainable option. As an added incentive, we are planting 30 trees in Tanzania for every prolonged device rental with our partner Veritree.
Learn more here:
Replacement of defective Lightning devices
We have proactively stocked up on a contingent of the most popular Lightning devices and expect to be able to deliver at least for the first quarter of 2025 – but unfortunately, replacement rates cannot be predicted exactly; there are always fluctuations.
As a precaution, you should expect that in some cases it may be difficult to provide an identical replacement device if Lightning devices in your fleet from 2025 onwards become defective.
Act now to secure the future
To ensure that your device fleet has a smooth transition into the post-Lightning era, we recommend that you contact your account management immediately to discuss options for new device line-ups.
Together, we will develop a customized solution that meets your requirements.
