In response to upcoming European Union regulations, Apple is reportedly working on a solution to make iPhone batteries user-replaceable by 2025. According to a report by The Information, the tech giant aims to eliminate the adhesive strips currently used to secure the battery in place.
New Battery Replacement Technology in Development for Apple iPhone
At present, iPhone batteries are encased in foil and attached to the phone using adhesive strips that must be pulled to remove the battery. Apple’s innovative approach involves moving to a metal enclosure that will enable the battery to pop out with a small electrical jolt, a process known as electrically induced adhesive debonding. This method could simplify the battery removal process compared to the current adhesive tabs, though its practicality remains to be seen.
The EU regulations require all phone batteries to be user-replaceable by 2025, prompting Apple to adapt its design. This change is anticipated to make the iPhone more user-friendly in terms of battery maintenance and replacement, aligning with the regulatory requirements.
Apple may test the new battery enclosure on at least one iPhone 16 model later this year, with plans to extend the feature to the entire iPhone 17 series next year. The move signifies a significant shift in Apple’s design philosophy, potentially impacting the overall repairability and sustainability of future iPhones.
Despite the new technology, accessing the iPhone battery will remain challenging. Users will still need to navigate through the adhesive holding the glass components to the phone’s frame, followed by several screws and ribbon cables. This intricate process underscores the complexity of smartphone design and the effort required to meet regulatory standards while maintaining product integrity.
Apple’s development of user-replaceable battery technology reflects a broader industry trend. Many other smartphone manufacturers, who also use adhesive pull tabs, will need to develop similar solutions to comply with the new EU regulations by next year. This shift is expected to drive innovation in smartphone design and enhance the repairability of mobile devices.
Pokdepinion: Basically user-replaceable but not quite as replaceable as the olden day mobile phones. It’s still a good step forward regardless.
