With the exception of iPhones, previous generation smartphones had plastic and metal backs that could easily be removed to replace the battery. Unfortunately, it’s been several years since these designs were discontinued, and modern handsets come with an approach that prevent users from easily accessing the battery without tools. Fortunately, from new rules defined by the EU could change the situationthus forcing companies like Apple to drastically modify their future models.
These new EU rules apply not just to smartphones, but to a whole range of household appliances
After the EU passed legislation requiring companies like Apple to launch products that will only rely on a USB-C port, the regulator has introduced a few new rules when it comes to replacing USB-C ports. Battery. Relevant information is provided below.
” On Friday, Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement to overhaul EU battery rules to take into account technological developments and future challenges.
The agreed rules will cover the entire life cycle of batteries, from design to end of life, and will apply to all types of batteries sold in the EU: portable batteries, SLI batteries (supplying for starting, lighting or ignition of vehicles), batteries for light means of transport (LMT) (providing energy for the traction of wheeled vehicles such as scooters and electric bicycles), batteries for vehicles electricity (EV) and industrial batteries. »
To preserve the environment, a maximum CO2 limit will also be set for batteries, which will come into force from July 2027. These batteries will also be able to use recycled materials with the following percentage of metals.
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- Cobalt – 16
- Lead – 85
- Lithium-6
- Nickel-6
The new rules should allow consumers to be better informed about the batteries they buy through labels and QR codes that indicate capacities, performance, durability, chemical composition and the “separate collection” symbol. Thus, consumers can also get rid of them when these batteries are no longer useful, which encourages them to buy another unit.
” Three and a half years after the legislation came into force, batteries in portable devices must be designed in such a way that consumers can easily remove and replace them themselves. »
Apple currently charges $99 to replace the battery for any iPhone 14 model and what is interesting is that this fee has increased from $69 for the iPhone 13 in the United States. The new EU rules could provide customers with significant savings while undermining the lucrative activities of these companies, which is not necessarily a pretty sight.
However, the new rules are still awaiting final approval by the European Parliament and the Councilwe will update you with the latest news as soon as the changes are made.
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