According to legislation in the European Union, Apple is likely developing a technology that will make iPhone batteries more easily replaceable.
There might be chances for Apple to also work on a removable iPhone battery that will be in compliance with the requirements across the globe, releasing as early as this fall.
Apple adapts to EU battery regulations with new removable battery technology
The European Union passed a rule last year that smartphone batteries that are sold and distributed within the EU must have set design and recycling rules. This requires all the thin and foldable smartphones to comply by 2027, with Apple meeting the requirements sooner.
As of now, the iPhone uses adhesive strips to hold the battery together. Tweezing and making the area slightly warm will help remove the leftover adhesive, which is difficult without the specialized machine and tray that Apple provides for its Genius Bars.
Now, Apple needs to use electrically induced adhesive debonding. This method uses a small jolt of electricity to remove the battery. A new form of technology called electrically induced adhesive debonding will come into play. This will include encasing the battery in metal. Currently, it’s in foil, and Apple is striving to change that.
Sources said that this new technology has enabled people to dislodge the battery from the chassis by administering a small jolt of electricity to it.
Apple is taking a different stance mainly because of the EU’s policy to build a sustainable and cleaner future. Some of their regulations included all collected waste batteries to be recycled.
Starting 2027, companies must allow consumers to remove and replace portable batteries in their electronic products at any time. Lastly, the portable batteries must be readily removable and replaceable by end users during the gadget’s lifecycle.
Adhesives in modern technology: Lightweight, versatile, and crucial for recyclability
Adhesives form an integral part of an appliance. They can form strong bonds that allow quick and convenient electricity-fueled separation.
Usually, this kind of technology holds great value, especially in urgent situations.
Owing to their great qualities adhesives are being used in a wide variety of manufactured goods. They are typically made from polymers because of their flexibility of the molecular configurations. These configurations help in producing the desired mechanical properties.
They could also be used to join a lot of stuff like metals, polymers, ceramics, cork, rubber, and a combination of all of these. Adhesive bonding is much lighter and less expensive. These days most companies have also been talking about recyclability, majorly due to the cost factor.
This is primarily the reason why industries and technology companies have been inclined toward creating novel techniques. These techniques must help in fast recycling and restoring bonded structures.
This move, if successful, will still require people to open the iPhone by themselves, a process not so simple. But this will mean a significant step in the world of technology and iPhone users. In the near future, we might see iPhones as one of the biggest advocates of this new form of technology.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Gairika Mitra Gairika is a technology nerd, an introvert, and an avid reader. Lock her up in a room full of books, and you’ll never hear her complain.