In June, the European Union (EU) Parliament made a decision to implement new regulations requiring phone manufacturers to design devices with easily replaceable batteries, without the need for special tools or knowledge. Back in 2007, the iPhone was an outlier with its non-removable battery, but now most phones come with batteries that cannot be replaced.
This week, the European Council has agreed to these rules, pending approval from both the Council and Parliament. Once approved, the rules will take effect 20 days after being published in the EU’s Official Journal. This means that all phones sold in the EU must have replaceable batteries by 2027.
While the EU’s laws only apply to its 27 member countries, Apple may find it too complex and expensive to continue using permanent batteries outside of the EU. This is evident from Apple’s decision to equip all iPhone 15 series models with USB-C ports in compliance with a rule passed by the EU, which required the change in its member countries.
Replaceable battery for Motorola DROID 4
In my own experience, I remember purchasing extra batteries for my Motorola DROID. Some manufacturers even provided larger-sized batteries with back panel extensions to accommodate them. Manufacturers now have until 2027 to incorporate replaceable batteries into their devices and adapt their supply chains accordingly. For certain consumers, the option to switch to a fully charged battery could be appealing.
The EU believes that these new rules will promote a circular economy by enabling the recycling of smartphone batteries, allowing for the extraction of certain materials to manufacture new batteries. These rules extend beyond smartphone batteries and apply to all waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, starting, lightning, and ignition (SLI) batteries (commonly used in vehicles and machinery), as well as batteries for light means of transport (e.g., electric bikes, e-mopeds, e-scooters).
For Apple, this development may not necessarily be a disadvantage. Imagine the potential for selling replacement and extended batteries if Apple decides to adopt replaceable batteries for iPhones. Moreover, this could align with Apple’s plan to create a port-less iPhone, as users would simply need to insert a fully charged cell instead of relying on MagSafe for charging.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
