A new European council decision requiring smartphone manufacturers to offer users an easier battery replacement option could affect Apple’s iPhones and a host of other manufacturers.
According to macrumors, the European Union (EU) recently passed new regulations that require phones to have replaceable batteries. The decision follows the approval of the EU European Parliament and is aimed at empowering users by forcing manufacturers to make phones easy to replace batteries without special tools or knowledge. professional knowledge.
Once signed by both Parliament and the Council, the rules will come into force within 20 days of being published in the Official EU Journal. By 2027, all phones sold in EU member states must have replaceable batteries.
It can be difficult and expensive for Apple and other companies to maintain batteries only in perpetuity in EU countries. Apple introduced USB-C ports in response to the EU ruling, signaling its ability to adapt to regional regulations.
The introduction of replaceable batteries brought convenience to consumers, allowing users to replace old batteries with new batteries of full capacity. Manufacturers have until 2027 to implement this feature.
Regulations also promote sustainability by promoting a circular economy through battery recycling and reuse. These include a variety of batteries beyond smartphones, such as electric vehicle batteries and light vehicle batteries.
For Apple, the shift could bring unexpected advantages, including new revenue streams from selling replacement and extended batteries. It also aligns with their vision of a portless iPhone, as users can easily replace a fully charged battery.
The EU’s move towards replaceable batteries will reshape the mobile phone industry. It could prompt global manufacturers to re-evaluate their design strategies to meet growing consumer demand. Finally, the regulations highlight the EU’s commitment to sustainability and consumer empowerment.
Comment here