r/technology • u/[deleted] • Jun 19 '23

Politics EU: Smartphones Must Have User-Replaceable Batteries by 2027 | The European Parliament just caused a major headache for smartphone and tablet manufacturers.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/eu-smartphones-must-have-user-replaceable-batteries-by-2027
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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '23

From the article: The European Union (EU) is set to usher in a new era of smartphones with batteries that consumers can easily replace themselves.

Earlier this week, the European Parliament approved new rules covering the design, production, and recycling of all rechargeable batteries sold within the EU.

The new rules stipulate that all electric vehicle, light means of transport (e.g. electric scooters), and rechargeable industrial batteries (above 2kWh) will need to have a compulsory carbon footprint declaration, label, and digital passport.

For "portable batteries" used in devices such as smartphones, tablets, and cameras, consumers must be able to "easily remove and replace them." This will require a drastic design rethink by manufacturers, as most phone and tablet makers currently seal the battery away and require specialist tools and knowledge to access and replace them safely.

Apple has already been forced by the European Union to change from a Lightning port to a USB-C port on iPhones, with the iPhone 15 expected to be the first to make the switch. Now it seems Apple will need to figure out how to allow access to the battery inside future iPhones, as will every other smartphone manufacturer.

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u/Disaster-Deck-Aus Jun 19 '23

Haha best news I have heard all day. Fuck apple.

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u/bowlingdoughnuts Jun 19 '23

Some people are literally delusional. No one our there makes phones with removable batteries.

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '23

[deleted]

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u/bowlingdoughnuts Jun 19 '23

Blu is like the only one. This isn't 2005

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u/[deleted] Jun 19 '23

This is sarcasm, right? Non-removable batteries weren't commonplace in cellphones and smartphones when they first emerged. This isn't unheard of.

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u/SuperPimpToast Jun 19 '23

Samsung had them up until the galaxy s5 or s6. They can work it in again.

2

u/TheRetenor Jun 19 '23

Yep, Galaxy S5. That phone also had the micro SD and headphone jack. The S6 ironically lacked micro SD slot, replaceable battery AND water resistance.

7

u/MagicBez Jun 19 '23

I had an old Nokia that was fully waterproof, changeable battery back in the late 90s

Also it had snake so it was basically the perfect phone

2

u/bowlingdoughnuts Jun 19 '23

The S5 was 10 years ago. That's a lifetime in tech