Europe has been calling for manufacturers to install removable batteries in its devices for some time, especially smartphones where these are regularly glued to other components. This practice now prevents many users from easily repairing their devices, often forcing them to go to an expensive repair shop. Not to mention those who decided to buy a new model with the slightest disruption, which is not ideal for the environment.
Yesterday, the European Parliament finally decided to take a step forward by passing a law that obliges manufacturers to use removable batteries. This stipulates that the batteries can be easily removed by the owner for easy replacement. An obvious and hypothetical way to combat planned obsolescence, it also encourages users to look for more ecological solutions rather than buying a new device.
Europe grapples with planned obsolescence, Apple will be sullen
This is not the only measure prescribed by this law. This stipulates that battery manufacturers will also have to work to improve the recycling rate of the latter. Parliament therefore hopes that by 2031, 80% of lithium and 95% of the other metals that make up the barriers will be reusable. For this reason, the EU is promoting a more circular economy that, in addition to ending planned obsolescence, will reduce the environmental impact of the electronics industry.
Either way, it’s a new law that risks spoiling Apple’s plans. The Apple brand already has a lot of work to do with the recent imposition of a USB-C port on its upcoming iPhones. Here is a new element to take into account for the manufacture of its future devices, which today does not hesitate to charge 119 euros to replace a battery.
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