Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and the iPhone 14, marking the end of an era dominated by the Lightning port. This decision, which follows the launch of the new iPhone 16e, underscores Apple’s commitment to transitioning fully to USB-C and modernizing its smartphone range.
The End of the Lightning Port Era
Apple introduced the Lightning port in 2012 with the iPhone 5, touting it as a faster and more durable alternative to the 30-pin connector. For over a decade, it remained a defining feature of iPhones, enabling charging, data transfer, and accessory compatibility. However, with global regulatory shifts most notably the European Union’s directive requiring USB-C as a universal charging standard Apple has now completely phased out the Lightning port from its iPhone lineup.
With the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 14 now discontinued, every new iPhone, including the iPhone 16e, features USB-C. This aligns Apple’s smartphones with its latest iPads and MacBooks, simplifying the charging ecosystem for users.
Beyond the charging port, the discontinuation of the iPhone SE 3 marks another milestonethe removal of the last iPhone featuring a physical home button. The home button, which first debuted in 2007 with the original iPhone, was gradually replaced by gesture-based navigation with the iPhone X in 2017. While many users appreciated the familiarity and ease of the home button, Apple has now fully embraced its edge-to-edge display design across all iPhone models.
With a starting price of Rs 59,900, the newly launched iPhone 16e is now the most budget-friendly iPhone available directly from Apple. It offers a modern design, improved battery life, and the latest software support, making it a compelling option for users seeking an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem.
For those still using the iPhone SE 3 or iPhone 14, Apple will continue to provide software updates for the foreseeable future, ensuring security and performance enhancements. However, users looking to upgrade must now transition to USB-C accessories and adapt to newer design philosophies.
With this shift, Apple has officially closed the chapter on Lightning ports and home buttons, paving the way for a future where all its devices share a unified charging standard and a modern user experience.
