According to a report by The Information, Apple is developing a new method to simplify battery replacement in iPhones. This move is in response to upcoming EU regulations that require all phone batteries to be user-replaceable by 2025. Currently, iPhone batteries are encased in foil and secured with adhesive strips, which need to be pulled to dislodge the battery.
Apple is reportedly working on a solution called electrically induced adhesive debonding, which involves moving to a metal enclosure that will eject the battery after receiving a small electrical jolt. This method aims to make battery removal more straightforward compared to the current adhesive tabs.
| Current Method | New Method (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Battery encased in foil | Battery in a metal enclosure |
| Attached via adhesive strips | Ejected with an electrical jolt |
| Removal involves pulling tabs | Uses electrically induced debonding |
However, getting to the battery will still be a challenge, as users will need to remove the adhesive holding the glass parts to the phone frame, followed by several screws and ribbon cables.
Apple may test this new battery enclosure on at least one iPhone 16 model later this year, with plans to introduce it across the entire iPhone 17 series next year. This development indicates that other manufacturers using similar adhesive pull tabs will also need to find ways to comply with the new regulations by making battery replacement easier by next year.
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