In June, the European Union (EU) Parliament took a significant step by voting in favor of new regulations that would require phone manufacturers to design devices with easily replaceable batteries, eliminating the need for special tools or knowledge. This move is a departure from the original iPhone, released in 2007, which had a non-removable battery. Nowadays, most phones come with batteries that cannot be replaced.
Recent developments show that the European Council has agreed to these rules, pending approval from both the Council and Parliament. Once approved, the rules will go into effect within 20 days of being published in the EU’s Official Journal. This means that by 2027, all phones sold within the EU must have replaceable batteries.
While the jurisdiction of these laws only applies to the EU’s 27 member countries, Apple may face challenges and expenses if it continues to produce phones with permanent batteries outside of these countries. This is why Apple has already made the decision to equip all iPhone 15 series models with USB-C ports, replacing their proprietary Lightning ports, following a rule introduced by the EU that mandates this change in its member nations.
Personally, I remember purchasing additional batteries for my Motorola DROID, and some manufacturers even offered larger-sized batteries with modified back panels to accommodate them. Manufacturers now have until 2027 to integrate replaceable batteries into their devices and align their supply chains accordingly. The option to switch to a fully charged battery might be appealing to certain consumers.
The EU emphasizes that these new rules will advance the circular economy by enabling the recycling of smartphone batteries and the extraction of valuable materials for the production of new ones. These regulations also extend beyond smartphone batteries and apply to all types of portable, electric vehicle, industrial, starting, lightning, ignition, and light means of transport batteries.
From Apple’s perspective, this development may not be entirely negative. Consider the potential sale of replacement and extended batteries if Apple decides to incorporate replaceable batteries into iPhones. Moreover, this shift could support Apple’s vision of creating a port-less iPhone. Instead of relying solely on MagSafe for charging, users could simply insert a fully charged cell.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
