Buying an iPhone (or any other smartphone) in the future might mean having to deal with a replaceable battery. In fact, it might not only be smartphones, but also tablets, earphones, and many other personal electronics devices that run on batteries.
It was not actually that long ago when smartphones came with replaceable batteries and Samsung often used this as part of its anti-Apple marketing in videos that showcased the benefits of not having to ‘wall hug’ to keep a phone’s lights on when the battery had run dry. Now, it might be the case that a return to those days are coming, albeit without the marketing videos considering all companies could be forced to make the change.
As detailed by Business Insider, a new European Union draft plan has come to light detailing a proposal to force smartphone-makers to sell devices with batteries that are easy to replace. The general idea appears to be an attempt to reduce the amount of e-waste although another factor in the decision is a lack of consumer choice when it comes to replacing batteries – due to companies often only allowing customers to replace a battery through dedicated and specific company. The overall suggestion is that with new measures in place, consumers will have more shopping choices to begin with, and this may actually lead to less frequent smartphone upgrade cycles, thereby cutting down on e-waste. However, even if the proposals were pushed through, and companies adhered to them, there’s currently no suggestion of when the change could take effect, considering how early in the process the proposal is.
Replaceable Batteries Won’t Be The Only Change
Undoubtedly, there are some who would prefer the option to quickly swap-out a battery with a fresh one. However, smartphones have come a long way since the adoption of fixed batteries and it is arguable many of the most recent phone features are a direct result of a fixed battery. Therefore, a return to the ways of before could also mean a removal of those additional features and the most obvious one is better protection against the elements. One of the benefits of a completely sealed unit is that it can be water-resistant and even proofed. A device that’s easier to open up will result in less protection in general. There’s a reason premium devices have moved from plastic backs to all-glass and metal designs in recent years.
Another likely knock-on effect is the battery life in general. Without the option to change batteries, companies have been busy working hard to perfect other battery technologies and solutions and this has led to advances in faster charging, wireless charging, and even the inclusion of greater capacity batteries. If Apple and other phone-makers were forced to include easy to replace batteries, then it would seem unlikely they would also feel the need to include batteries that last longer in the first place, or charge quicker, or even wirelessly.
