With the new EU ruling coming in to force from 2027 to say smartphone manufacturers have to start offering phones whereby you can replace the batteries again, I know if this comes into effect, a lot of hukd members will approve, but if it does come in, what will be the after affects, no waterproofing (Or very little) build quality may suffer, what are your thoughts?
Full report below:
The European Union is preparing to introduce a new law aimed at promoting easier battery repairs for smartphones. This legislation will require manufacturers to design smartphones in theEU with user replaceable batteries
As per the report from the publication, upon approval from the Council and Parliament, the law is expected to come into effect in early 2027. In addition to facilitating battery replacements, the recently approved regulations by the European Council also include requirements for rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Reportedly, these batteries will need to provide information about their carbon footprint, feature a label, and include a battery passport when sold within the EU region.
Furthermore, the report suggests that the European Union Council has recently given its approval to a set of regulations that will oblige smartphone manufacturers to ensure their devices are designed in a way that allows users to easily replace the batteries.
These new regulations aim to address the environmental impact of batteries throughout their entire life cycle. Once the regulation is signed into law by the European Council and Parliament, smartphone manufacturers will be required to incorporate replaceable batteries in their devices sold within the EU by 2027 (as reported by Android Authority).
However, there is a possibility of the EU granting a delay to the implementation of the rule if manufacturers request more time to comply with the switch to portable batteries.
The regulations approved by the European Parliament and the Council cover a wide range of batteries, including waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, and batteries used in vehicles and machinery known as starting, lightning, and ignition (SLI) batteries. The scope of the regulations also extends to batteries used in light means of transport such as electric bikes, e-mopeds, and e-scooters.
According to the new rules, all batteries will be required to provide mandatory information regarding their carbon footprint. Additionally, they must feature labels, an electronic "battery passport," and a QR code. The implementation of the labelling requirements is expected by 2026, while the inclusion of QR Codes is set for 2027.
Full report below:
The European Union is preparing to introduce a new law aimed at promoting easier battery repairs for smartphones. This legislation will require manufacturers to design smartphones in theEU with user replaceable batteries
As per the report from the publication, upon approval from the Council and Parliament, the law is expected to come into effect in early 2027. In addition to facilitating battery replacements, the recently approved regulations by the European Council also include requirements for rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Reportedly, these batteries will need to provide information about their carbon footprint, feature a label, and include a battery passport when sold within the EU region.
Furthermore, the report suggests that the European Union Council has recently given its approval to a set of regulations that will oblige smartphone manufacturers to ensure their devices are designed in a way that allows users to easily replace the batteries.
These new regulations aim to address the environmental impact of batteries throughout their entire life cycle. Once the regulation is signed into law by the European Council and Parliament, smartphone manufacturers will be required to incorporate replaceable batteries in their devices sold within the EU by 2027 (as reported by Android Authority).
However, there is a possibility of the EU granting a delay to the implementation of the rule if manufacturers request more time to comply with the switch to portable batteries.
The regulations approved by the European Parliament and the Council cover a wide range of batteries, including waste portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, and batteries used in vehicles and machinery known as starting, lightning, and ignition (SLI) batteries. The scope of the regulations also extends to batteries used in light means of transport such as electric bikes, e-mopeds, and e-scooters.
According to the new rules, all batteries will be required to provide mandatory information regarding their carbon footprint. Additionally, they must feature labels, an electronic "battery passport," and a QR code. The implementation of the labelling requirements is expected by 2026, while the inclusion of QR Codes is set for 2027.
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48 Comments
sorted by-Phones will become more expensive, as manufacturers will have to specifically design phones for EU market.
- Some manufacturers may leave EU market as they may decide that it's not worth the trouble.
Also, a lot of the reasons for removing removable batteries in the first place are just to force planned obsolescence. Companies just copy apple and come up with excuses for removing features. The headphone jack is one example, as well as SD card readers.
As a previous owner of an S10e, the battery life on that phone was unbearably bad. I wish I had an easier option to replace the battery than ripping the entire thing apart. The phone itself is still a great piece of hardware but the battery would drain at alarming speeds.
I don't know what this new law is about then !!
All this law will mean is that you will be able to replace the battery easier. So, a documented procedure that requires a few screws to change the battery with no glue. I suspect that what will happen is the companies will just sell you a kit to replace it.
However many of us replace phones within a couple of years because they get slower, or a better camera or faster CPU/software due to manufacture stops updated after 3 ish years..
However it's like everything else the intentions are good but not fully thought off. (edited)
As more and more manufacturers are touting batteries that charge in 20 mins, what beats 0-100 in less than 1 min with a quick battery swap out :P
How many of you actually go swimmng with their phones glue to your ears ? One might as well not go on holidays and stay at home conducting that Million dollars an hour business, instead.
And for those who really need it, there are enough waterproof pouches for phones available just for that day out in the rain.
We were all doing fine, when replaceable batteries were the norm.
Simply put I can't imagine a way they will be able to keep phones as they are while having a removable battery whilst retaining a sufficient IP rating
positive is greener and being able to swap batteries on a night out
negative will be waterproof ratings (edited)
Can also see this giving manufacturers incentive to put protection chips in the batteries so you can only buy extremely expensive ones direct from the manufacturer. May also see the EU simply not getting some models.
But, I suspect what you'll actually get is a video and some kit you can rent to melt the glue and separate the case etc... (edited)
The choice will be new battery or new phone.
:/
Statistically, how many examples come to light of exploding and burning phones after battery replacements by repairers, worldwide ?
Second is we have to buy a new phone as the 2 big OS providers stop supporting older versions. You bite the bullet as you need your apps. Making them legally support OS for at least 7years would help.
Thirdly, increase the trade in offers or make it mandatory. But some people might like to keep a spare for just in case. It's difficult to see how that would work.
I'm reticent to get a new phone just because I'm developing battery anxiety. But we are going to run out of oil and these precious metals at some point.
As an example my local Vuse store shut down 3mths ago and I didn't find out until last week when I went to recycle my disposable vapes. Customer helpline said nearest one in London. I said I know but I'm not travelling from Reading. So they would arrange collection. A day later sorry we got it wrong and can't do it. Bin or tip it. Not happy about doing either...... But aha not to be beaten I googled. Totally Wicked take ANY brand for recycling. That's the kind of thing we need to see.
At the end of the day customer will pay for it reflected in the price. Offer a small incentive or you can't buy a phone battery unless you have one too trade? I don't know what the solution is. (edited)
If they could have a standard smartphone battery that could be used in any smartphone from 2026/2027 so that they could be interchangable, that way you wouldnt need multiple shapes and sizes of batteries that cost a fortune to replace as they are 'rare' to buy or find etc.