The EU parliament has voted almost unanimously in support of a regulation that could make phone batteries amongst other components to be easily accessible and replaceable by users.
This new rule will force smartphone companies to let smartphone users replace batteries on their own and also allow the availability of phone accessories on the market for a period of at least seven years.
Prior to 2014, particularly during the Nokia 3310 era, smartphone batteries were easily accessed and replaced by users. It was literally possible to get rid of bad or weak batteries on your own with just your finger tips. However, now with many smartphones consisting of glass panels well-fitted with metal frames, this flexibility became a thing of the past.
Why do phones no longer have removable batteries?
Manufacturers claim that market demands for better designs that are more comfortable to hold and that have sleeker designs got higher in the past. Hence the move towards non-removable batteries.
Also the need to prevent accidental damage on removable batteries especially when they are not connected to a phone; this led to the introduction of plastic cases which in turn added to the weight and bulk of the smartphone. So, engineers thought of installing a permanent battery which will have little or no use for a back pane when consumers demanded slimmer, lighter design.
Battery Life – Don’t know how this assertion is true. Most people believe that a battery that is not removable lasts longer than one that is removable. When it comes to phones, a battery that lasts 20 extra minutes is kind of a big deal. By encasing the battery iPhone can eliminate some of the waste that happens when you have a battery that can be removed.
Smartphones that ditched removable batteries
Almost all android devices including Samsung ditched removable batteries in its two flagship devices — the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note — in 2014. iPhones have never used removable batteries in their entire iPhone lineup. The battery in an iPhone is typically sealed inside, so the only way to replace it is either by going to an official Apple service center for repairs or trying the more risky route of opening the iPhone all by yourself and avoiding the warranty in the process. And that is about to change strongly with the new EU law except they’re not interested in the European market, which obviously can’t be.
Why are people now demanding for removable batteries
Convenience: The demand for removable batteries have skyrocketed in the recent past. Users no longer enjoy the convenience of owning more than one battery to a phone. It used to be flexible and easy to swap or switch between batteries when one was out until now. But with the new EU law, that will definitely come back.
Cheaper: unlike when you have to go to a repairer shop and spend money to replace a weak battery, you can now replace it anytime within the comfort of your home once you have the required tools. Although the EU law doesn’t support the use of finger tips as in the time past , it allows for affordable use of commercial tools.
What does this mean for phone accessories market?
With the recent EU law, phone accessories market, particularly smartphone batteries will experience a significant boost when the law takes effect.
The law is expected to take effect in 3.5 year’s s time, that’s in 2027.
