Apple is reportedly working on making iPhone batteries easier to replace
Highlights
- Apple is reportedly developing a method to simplify battery replacement in future iPhone models.
- The change is driven by upcoming EU regulations requiring all phone batteries to be user-replaceable by 2025.
- The new battery housing design is expected to be introduced in the iPhone 16 series later this year, or at least with the iPhone 17 series next year.
Apple is reportedly investigating new ways to make replacing the battery in future iPhone models easier. As part of its attempts to make removing the battery from an iPhone easier, the company has been reportedly working on redesigning the design of its battery housing.
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However, Apple has not yet officially disclosed any intentions about its developments on interchangeable iPhone batteries. This change may be due to the new EU rules requiring removable batteries for electronic devices. Here's everything we know so far.
iPhone 16 series might get a new battery replacement method
Apple is reportedly working on a method to get rid of the sticky strips that hold the iPhone battery in place, according to a report by The Information (via 9to5Mac). Apple will have to abide by EU standards mandating that by 2025, all phone batteries must be user-replaceable.
Currently, the batteries are held to the phones by adhesive strips that you must pull to remove the foil-encased battery.
Apple is working toward switching to a metal enclosure that will pop the battery out in the event of a minor electrical shock. According to reports, the technique is known as electrically induced adhesive debonding.
However, it will be just as challenging to get the battery as it is now—you will need to remove multiple screws and ribbon cables in addition to the adhesive that is holding the glass components of the phone to the frame.
Apple is expected to introduce the new battery housing to the entire iPhone 17 series next year, though it may test it out on at least one iPhone 16 model later this year.
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Moreover, many smartphone manufacturers use similar adhesive pull tabs, so by next year, they will also need to figure out a way to make battery change simpler. It will be interesting to see what solutions manufacturers come up with to comply with the EU standards.
We expect to learn more about Apple's new battery replacement method in the coming days, so stay tuned.