Remember that consumers expect certain things from smartphones nowadays, which will mean that OEMs can’t just go back to the old way of doing things. An IP68 rating would be very difficult to obtain while still offering a premium-feeling device with an easily replaceable battery, for example. These are hurdles OEMs will need to get over to be in compliance.

this is straight-up BS. there were many phones with ip68 and user-replacable batteries back when sealing the battery in a phone was frowned upon. not all but many.

Producers got away with going to non-replaceable batteries because "most" people replace their phone before the battery wears out. Only a portion of consumers have a problem with it.

I'm sure there's a few of us that can comfortably get six years off a phone. In fact the phone I'm currently using is coming up on three years. I could probably get another three years out of it, but I'm going to have to replace it soon because of battery wear.

Non-replaceable batteries are bad for the consumer and bad for the environment. It forces obsolescence putting more financial strain on consumers and increases environmental impact with higher production and waste.

A phone replaced before three years could be sold second hand with a battery replacement. Otherwise consumers could keep a phone twice as long. So they're basically doubling the rate of production and waste to squeeze as much money as possible out of the consumer. Then there's zero regard for the environment. But you know that's typical of how corporations do business, rape the Earth, screw the consumer. We have to keep a leash on these guys.

Its NOT just smartphones

Its damn near everything!

Electric cars, other electronics etc

Some are just not "user replacable" (such as a cars batteries)

this law will change all iPhones. It will also change all tablets, laptops, EVs, e-bikes, and anything else with a rechargeable battery

Headphones, gaming mice, gaminh controllers. Its gonna be great

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again (someone else definitely said this before me) I’m totally fine with a user replaceable battery but I don’t really need a “hot swappable” battery. Don’t you guys remember the old memes where an android phone is dropped and the Lego brick breaking sound effect is used from the Lego video games. I’m ok with a semi sealed device for water resistance and what not. It would just be nice to be able to replace the battery when the time comes

I wonder how apple will react to this

* in Europe

Tim Cook can suck a fat one.

I just hope the battery doesn't cost as much as a new phone would.

One of my phones battery became swollen and hated not being able to change it without removing the adhesive stuck backing, camera, wireless charging cable, brackets preventing battery cable to be removed normally, battery being adhesive stuck to the battery slot. I hope all phones go back to removable batteries.

Good. I also read appliances (like your electric toothbrush or headphones) will also have to follow this guidance. This should make it easier to repair and recycle electronics.

but only the EU though, everywhere else is still fucked

It's not so much the batteries for me but the USB C port that has been my main issue and that damn humidity/water sensor that thinks that I've dipped my phone in water when I haven't

Shame this can’t happen for memory and storage.

This is the best news I've read in a while. Hopefully the US (or at least Cali) jump on board as well.

Wonder how waterproofing will hold up

I'm looking to upgrade my iPhone 11 for no reason other than the battery life is starting to bug me. None of the features released since the 11 hold any interest for me, I literally just want more battery life. Looks like that'll cost me about $1000 if I want to stay with iOS. Absolutely insane.

Good, no reason why my Pixel 6 shouldn't last until I accidentally drop it instead of the slow death of worsening battery.

Has anyone else always had a spare phone battery in the pocket to swap on the go?

Imagine you could just do that.