In June, the European Union (EU) Parliament said it wanted to move forward with new rules that would force phone manufacturers to design their devices in such a way that users can easily replace their phone’s batteries without using any special tools or having any special knowledge. This decision also put Apple in a difficult position. So much so that the iPhone may return to replaceable battery technology.
Old new tech to iPhones: Replaceable battery
When the iPhone was first released in 2007, it was considered the odd phone as it came with a non-removable battery. Most phone manufacturers’ devices now come with non-replaceable batteries. But the European Union approved the new rules this week. This means that both the Council and Parliament must sign these rules. Once that happens, 20 days after the rules are published in the EU Official Journal, the rules come into effect.
The entry into force of the rules means that all phones sold in the EU must have replaceable batteries by 2027. While the scope of EU law is limited to 27 member states, Apple can find it too complicated and expensive to deal with permanent batteries anywhere outside the EU. For this reason, the iPhones sold in all countries are much more likely to make this change.
So much so that Apple decided to replace the lightning ports on all iPhone 15 series with USB-C ports after the EU adopted a rule requiring change in member states. Manufacturers will have until 2027 to design replaceable batteries for their devices and activate their supply chains. For some consumers, upgrading to a new fully charged battery may be an option they wish to have.
Everyone was waiting for a foldable phone: a patent from Apple!
Recent patents reveal that Apple has different plans for the iPhone with a foldable screen.
The EU says these new rules will support a circular economy by collecting certain materials to manufacture new ones, allowing the recycling of smartphone batteries. The rules cover not just smartphone batteries, but “all waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, starter, lightning and ignition (SLI) batteries (mostly used for vehicles and machinery) and batteries in light transportation vehicles.
As for Apple, that might not be such a bad thing. If it decides to use replaceable batteries to power the iPhone, Apple can turn things around by selling the replaceable batteries. In the future, Apple’s final decision on this issue will be revealed.
So what do you think about this news? You can share your thoughts with us in the comments section.