EU Wants Removable Batteries on Phones to Make a Comeback

The European Union (EU) might spearhead the return of removable batteries, making replacement easy and straightforward for Apple iPhone and Android users.

Gone are the days when phone users could simply pop the battery from the rear of their mobile devices. From there, they could easily place it back, allowing them to replace it with ease.

These days, smartphone batteries are still replaceable. But it takes some skill and time to do so as they are no longer built to be removable.

But it looks like a new European law is paving the way for the much-awaited return of removable batteries on phones. Or at least, replacement might soon be more straightforward.

EU Wants Battery Replacement on Phones To Be Easier

As per the latest report by Android Police, the EU is now focusing on smartphone batteries after making USB-C the universal charging port for phones, which forces Apple to ditch its Lightning cable for its future iPhones.

This time, the EU is pushing for batteries consumers could easily replace, like in the good ol' days.

The design of future batteries should reportedly not only be easy to remove but easy to replace as well.

However, once the new rule takes effect, it will still take three and a half years before it will be in force, according to a news story by 9to5 Mac.

The new rule reportedly states that "portable batteries in appliances must be designed so that consumers can easily remove and replace them themselves."

Is Removable Battery Comeback?

Given that, the new EU law proposes manufacturers work on batteries that could easily be removed, potentially a new-generation removable battery.

Android Police notes in its report that the return of removable batteries on phones might be greatly in favor of consumers. Easy battery replacement might help users further stick with their phones for a long time without spending costly repair fees.

Some folks end up upgrading their phones to newer models after the batteries of their older mobile devices have died out. After all, some my find it impractical to spend money on an aging device.

EU and Phonemakers

9to5 Mac highlights in its story that the recent rules of the EU are now shaping how manufacturers go about their future phones.

For instance, the iPhones released in 2024 likely start offering USB-C ports instead of the Lightning provision.

European laws also push phone makers like Apple to open their doors to third-party app stores.