The EU's Proposal for Change

The European Union aims to enforce regulations that would require batteries in portable devices to be "easily removable and replaceable" by users or independent repair shops. This initiative is part of the EU's broader Green Deal, which seeks to reduce electronic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

In essence, the EU's proposal states that a battery is considered readily replaceable if it can be swapped out without compromising the device's performance or functionality.

For further details, you can check the complete text of the proposal, specifically Article 11 on page 55.

The Need for Repairable Devices

The concern that drives this legislation is the growing amount of electronic waste generated each year. Many devices end up being discarded simply because their batteries have degraded, even when the rest of the phone is still functional.

The reality is, all batteries have a finite lifespan. They deteriorate over time due to repeated charging cycles, leading to diminished performance. Unfortunately, the majority of contemporary smartphones come with batteries that are nearly impossible for the average consumer to replace without incurring hefty repair fees or dealing directly with the manufacturer.

As a result, many perfectly usable phones are prematurely retired, often needing just a simple battery replacement.

Historical Context

In the past, replacing a worn-out battery was straightforward—you could easily remove the back cover and install a new one. Now, the situation is far more complicated.

Concerns About Non-Genuine Parts

Apple expresses concern regarding the use of non-genuine parts in their devices. They argue that inferior components could lead to performance issues, making users wary of their products. Presently, if you attempt to replace your iPhone’s battery without Apple's approval, you'll be notified that the battery may not be genuine, even if it's an authentic Apple part.

While I understand Apple's apprehension about non-genuine parts, it seems unreasonable to classify legitimate Apple components as non-genuine. It would be preferable for manufacturers to verify that installed batteries are authentic OEM parts while allowing genuine replacements without warnings.

Balancing Battery Replacement and Liquid Resistance

A common argument for sealed batteries is that they enhance liquid resistance. While I can appreciate that, it’s not entirely accurate. Take the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, which features a removable battery and boasts an IP68 water resistance rating—on par with the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

So, the notion that a device cannot be water-resistant if it has a replaceable battery is misleading.

Looking Ahead

Should this legislation be enacted, manufacturers will have until 2027 to comply. This proposal follows the upcoming mandate for USB-C charging across various devices.

It's uncertain how major companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google will respond to these potential changes. Will they create EU-specific versions of their products, or withdraw from the market? Moreover, if they offer repairable devices in Europe, how will that impact consumer perceptions in the U.S.?

There are many questions yet to be answered, but it's definitely a situation worth monitoring.

The first video titled "EU Wants EASIER iPhone Battery Swap" discusses the EU's initiative to make battery replacements more accessible and its implications for consumers.

The second video titled "How's Your iPhone Battery Doing? Apple skirts EU replacement mandate" explores Apple's response to the EU's battery replacement mandate and its impact on users.