#Coming the Era of Replaceable Batteries?
Gone are the days where most phones had replaceable batteries, a common feature at that time. Carrying a spare battery was normal back then, but this practice faded as designs by manufacturers changed. Now, a significant shift is coming due to a new law from the European Parliament.
In June 2023, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly (587 to 9) to require consumer devices like phones, tablets, and laptops to have easily replaceable batteries. These batteries should be changeable without special tools, and manufacturers cannot use adhesives. This law is set to impact companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Most modern smartphones use a glass sandwich design with adhesives, making them slim but not easily repairable. The new EU law challenges this approach. However, companies might not create separate designs for the EU due to cost, potentially leading to global changes.
The law, approved by the European Council in July 2023, takes effect in 2027. Manufacturers have over three years to adapt. Apple, which rarely uses removable batteries, faces significant change. Samsung stopped using them in flagships in 2014.
The law also affects tablets, laptops, e-bikes, and other devices with rechargeable batteries. While some argue removable batteries are bulkier, the LG G5 showed it's possible to have a thin, premium phone with a replaceable battery.
Advocates for the "right to repair" movement see this law as a success. Right to repair emphasizes making consumer goods easily repairable, countering the trend of replacing instead of fixing broken devices.
Apple's practices have been criticized for discouraging third-party repairs. For instance, using non-Apple parts can disable features, even if they're genuine. This law addresses such concerns, aiming to promote repairability.
The law's primary focus is environmental. Tons of electronic waste are generated due to discarded devices with depleted batteries. By requiring collection and recycling targets for batteries, the EU aims to create a circular economy, reducing waste.
While enforcing consumer participation might be challenging, the new law drives manufacturers toward a more sustainable approach. As companies prepare for compliance, the tech landscape will likely see significant changes. It's an intriguing shift, raising questions about the motives behind phasing out user-replaceable batteries: consumer demand or profit-driven designs.
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