Apple might make the move to comply with European regulations
A new report from The Information claims that Apple is redesigning iPhone batteries to make them easier to replace. The move is in response to European Union regulations that require smartphone makers to make batteries that are easily replaceable by owners by 2025.
For years, Apple has relied on consumer self-repair. iPhone owners can order parts and tools to replace parts of their phones, such as the screen or camera.
The iPhone 15's battery is currently difficult to replace. This requires special tools, such as a "battery press," a specialized machine. In addition, the battery is attached to the phone with adhesive strips, so it must be carefully removed with tweezers. A solvent must be used to dissolve them.
According to The Information's sources, Apple is working on making this process more accessible using new technologies and new designs.
The company is working on a new technology called "electrically induced adhesive debonding." The battery is covered in metal, so a small surge of electricity can remove it from its housing.
Of course, sources are recommending that Apple offer professional repairs to users due to the electricity usage.
A battery replacement by an Apple Preferred Technician costs $99. If you do it yourself, it will cost more as you will also need to buy Apple's repair tool kit ($50).
Apple is thought to be trying to get ahead of EU rules, especially since it was recently first charged under the government's new anti-competition laws.
However, the redesign that The Information spoke to could include the introduction of a more powerful battery that will not require you to repair it yourself. To avoid the upcoming law, batteries must meet three criteria: 1. The battery must retain 83% capacity after 500 full charges, and 2. It must retain 80% capacity after 1,000 charges.
Phones must also be water- and dust-resistant up to an IP67 rating, which iPhones have had since 2016's iPhone 7. Apparently, the iPhone 15 will meet the 1,000 charge requirement, but it's unclear if current iPhones meet the 500 charge standard. The iPhone 14 doesn't meet this requirement.
There's evidence that the battery has been redesigned. A leak late last year revealed the battery's metal casing and said it uses a new connector.