iPhone 16 battery is easier to replace! Apple compromises with EU again

Apple was one of the first companies in the industry to launch smartphones with non-replaceable batteries, and as time went by, some "force majeure" began to drive Apple to loosen this promise. In 2022, after announcing the unified Type-C interface, the European Union revised a bill aimed at improving battery reusability and sustainability. This bill believes that making the batteries of electronic products easier to replace can extend the life cycle of consumer devices, thereby reducing electronic waste. This EU bill requires brands to design mobile phones in a way that the battery can be easily replaced, such as removing the battery back cover or directly unscrewing the screws to replace the battery. In 2023, this bill was officially passed, and the European Union required that all smartphones must be equipped with replaceable batteries by 2027. Currently, one year has passed since the introduction of the EU amendments, and Apple seems to be taking some measures to meet the EU's requirements.

1. Apple is testing a simpler way to disassemble and install the battery, making it easier for iPhone users to replace the battery.

2. In addition to sending the phone to an Apple store or authorized service center, self-service battery replacement will also become one of the options for iPhone users.
3. ActuallyApple has previously implemented self-service repair services. Apple’s solution is that users must rent special tools from Apple to repair iPhones by themselves.
4. Even assuming that users who choose self-service repair are experienced "veterans", the glue used to fix the battery inside the iPhone makes it very difficult to remove the battery assembly.
5. Friends who have disassembled an iPhone may know the internal structure of the internal device better. Taking the iPhone 15 Pro as an example, when we remove the battery, we need to use a tweezers roll to pull out three adhesive strips before we can take out the battery. Adding a replacement battery requires the use of a machine and a tray.

   

   Apple hopes to make changes in the future to improve the current situation where self-service equipment is more difficult to repair.

It’s worth mentioning that this moment may not take long. A recent report suggested that at least one unnamed iPhone 16 model this year will feature a new battery removal system, while all four iPhone 17 models are expected to feature the system next year.

Apple named the new battery quick-release system "Electric Induction Adhesive Debonding", which uses metal instead of metal foil to wrap the battery.

In this way, by applying voltage, the battery can be quickly separated from the body. Although Apple’s new battery removal system will be improved than the current process required to replace the iPhone battery, for ordinary consumers, this threshold is still relatively high .

The EU still plays a key role in promoting changes in large companies. It is a great achievement to force Apple to abandon the Lightning interface. Apple's development of this technology may be motivated by this EU bill.

Of course, this EU bill does not only affect smartphone devices, but also other hardware such as electric bicycle batteries and industrial application batteries.

Judging from the solution provided by Apple, it is difficult not to say that Apple has begun to exploit loopholes in the bill again.

EU regulations show that from 2027, consumers will be able to remove and replace portable batteries in their electronic products at any time during their life cycle.

“Portable batteries contained in the appliance shall be readily removable and replaceable by the end user or an independent operator during the lifetime of the appliance, if the battery life is shorter than the lifetime of the appliance, or at the latest at the end of the lifetime of the appliance. ”

In June this year, Apple announced that it would expand its self-service repair program to 32 countries in Europe, and will expand the scope to Canada in 2025. This improvement will not only meet the requirements of EU legislation, but also help Apple operate its self-service repair program in Europe.

The above is the detailed content of iPhone 16 battery is easier to replace! Apple compromises with EU again. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!