Last week, the European Parliament passed a law to make it easier to recycle batteries. New rules mean iPhones and iPads have to be redesigned so users can switch out their batteries easier. Android devices will also be subject to the same mandate.

This marks the second significant hardware change for Apple products due to EU legislation; iPhones will soon feature a USB-C port instead of Lightning as a result of another European requirement.

The current iPhone and iPad batteries are technically replaceable but require specialised tools and expertise. Mistakes during this process can cause extensive damage, making it unsuitable for average users with household tools. Since batteries are among the first components to wear out in smartphones or tablets, replacing them could significantly extend their lifespan. However, many devices end up discarded with their original batteries still installed.

The recently passed EU legislation demands that portable batteries in appliances should be designed such that consumers can easily remove and replace them themselves. While swappable batteries aren’t explicitly required by law, it implies that when a device’s battery health declines, replacing it should be straightforward.

Apple has already made steps towards facilitating easier repairs on its handsets after years of producing hard-to-repair phones prioritising slim designs over repairability features like visible screws or removable components without glue usage. After dismantling an iPhone 14 prototype, iFixit stated: “Apple has gone back to the drawing board and reworked the iPhone’s internals to make repair easier.” The company now uses fewer glues and more screws while providing front-and-back panel access in its design.

What's more, Apple brought out the iPhone Self Service Program giving customers what they need to do their own repairs. It's still up in the air if these changes meet EU regulations for user battery replacement.

Though not yet fully approved – awaiting formal endorsement from the European Council following parliamentary approval on June 14, I’m still to see news on that – this rule is expected to pass without issues since both parties have reached prior agreement on it.

While the legislation will only directly affect devices sold within the European Union, it is unlikely that Apple and other manufacturers will create region-specific designs. So, iPhone users worldwide are likely to benefit from these replaceable battery requirements.

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