Previously, interchangeable batteries were a common feature in all phones and certainly had their advantages. When their capacity dropped to the point of being unusable, you simply bought a new one for a few hundred and carried on. However, such a concept no longer exists in today's era, as batteries are integrated into the chassis, making user-based replacement very difficult. But this will completely change in a few years.
Interchangeable batteries have many advantages
It is true that interchangeable batteries had more advantages than just replacing the original battery with a new one at full capacity. For example, if your phone froze, removing the battery served as a reliable way to restart and get it working again. However, due to the design, we gradually lost access to these advantages.
Manufacturers came up with a design that includes an integrated battery without easy access through a removable back cover. This was primarily done for overall structural rigidity, which was not particularly remarkable in phones with this feature. However, the European Parliament has now adopted regulations that will bring interchangeable batteries back into play.
Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash
Battery replacement in the comfort of your home As reported by PhoneArena, the European Parliament has adopted new regulations stating that manufacturers will have to offer easily replaceable batteries for their phones within the EU. This means that, if necessary, we will be able to replace the battery in the comfort of our homes without the need for specialized tools or training.
As part of this provision, the use of specialized adhesive has also been banned to facilitate easy battery removal. This regulation primarily focuses on ecology and environmental protection and is expected to come into effect in 2027. There is still a long way to go, and many things can change, but it is likely that this regulation will indeed be implemented.
What needs to be done? The fact that the European Parliament has adopted this regulation does not mean it is immediately enforceable. It will be necessary to draft the wording of the new law, approve it, and only then can it come into effect. It will be interesting to see how manufacturers cope with this, as the law may also impact specific aspects of the design (such as the type of adhesive), and it is clear that they will face significant challenges.
I remember the days when I could easily swap out the battery on my phone for a fresh one. It was so convenient, especially when I needed a quick reboot. I’m glad to hear that the European Parliament is taking steps to bring back interchangeable batteries. It’s about time we have that flexibility again!
I’m glad to hear that the European Parliament recognizes the importance of this and is working towards reintroducing interchangeable batteries. It will definitely bring more convenience to smartphone users.
I completely agree! Having the option to replace the battery in our phones was a game-changer. It not only allowed us to easily fix frozen devices but also gave us the freedom to extend the lifespan of our phones without having to invest in a whole new device. I’m excited to see the return of interchangeable batteries thanks to the new regulations.
The integration of batteries into smartphones made it harder for us to address certain issues like frozen screens. I’m thrilled to hear that the European Parliament is taking action to bring back interchangeable batteries. This move will not only empower users to easily restart their devices but also reduce electronic waste by allowing for battery replacements instead of entire phone replacements.
Interchangeable batteries were a fantastic feature that offered practical benefits. Being able to replace a drained battery with a fully charged one was incredibly convenient. I’m glad to see that the European Parliament is stepping up to reintroduce this concept. It will undoubtedly improve user experience and contribute to a more sustainable approach to smartphone usage.