For years, mobile phones with removable batteries dominated the market. Simply removing the back cover was enough to replace the dead battery and extend the device's lifespan easily and inexpensively. However, the move towards thinner, more durable designs with unibody structure It became increasingly prevalent among manufacturers, making it nearly impossible to access the battery without specialized tools. This change improved water and dust resistance, as well as increased compactness, but it sacrificed ease of repair for the user.
Given the growing concern about the sustainability and the environmental impact of electronic waste, European regulations seek to reverse this trend. The new regulations require all smartphones permitted in Europe to incorporate removable and replaceable batteries, which are easily accessible by the end user, without the need for specialized technical services. The measure's main objective is to extend the lifespan of devices, facilitate the circular economy, and drastically reduce the number of phones discarded simply due to battery life issues.
Why is the European Union opting for removable batteries?
The decision of the European Union is based on the need to promote the circular economy and technological sustainabilityThe accumulation of discarded electronic devices due to battery failure is a serious environmental problem, as batteries contain valuable and polluting materials. Allowing users to easily change batteries helps reduce waste, reduces dependence on imported raw materials and promotes the reuse of components.
Key objectives of the new regulation include:
- Extend the lifespan of devices by allowing quick and economical replacements.
- Reduce the volume of electronic waste and promote the reuse of strategic materials such as lithium.
- Promote recycling and transparency through detailed labeling and a “digital passport” for each battery, providing information about its composition, durability and capacity.
- Promote competitiveness and innovation in the European electronics industry by creating sustainability and repair standards.
Furthermore, the regulations set ambitious collection and recycling targets for used batteries, not only in phones but also in other portable devices and light transport vehicles, contributing to the overall goal of decarbonization and resource independence.
Impact on manufacturers' design: challenges and opportunities
Leading brands such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Nokia and other manufacturers will have to adjust the design of their new devices to comply with the regulation. The transition poses a real technical and engineering challenge, as current unibody designs focus on integration and durability.
- Tightness and resistanceThe main challenge will be to maintain protection against water, dust and shock without sacrificing the removable battery.
- Thinness and lightness: Mobile phones have been gaining in stylized design, something that could be compromised with new opening systems.
- Ease of accessThe law requires that the user be able to replace the battery "without undue difficulty," but doesn't specify a specific method. Therefore, manufacturers are exploring various options, such as clip-on removable back covers, easy-to-use screws, or even modular systems that allow the battery to be replaced in just a few steps without professional tools.
- Innovation in materialsSome brands, such as Apple, are considering returning to stainless steel or titanium bodies, which could make battery removal easier while maintaining the device's structural strength.
These changes not only affect the phone's structure, but also impact the supply chain, third-party battery certification, and repair and warranty policies.
Which manufacturers have already made the move towards removable batteries?
While the law doesn't yet apply to everyone, several companies are already standing out by offering terminals that meet future requirements:
- Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro: Includes a fully removable back cover, allowing direct access to the battery without tools. It is specifically designed for industrial or professional environments.
- Nokia G22: Its design allows the rear cover to be removed by levering it out. Once removed, the battery is easily disconnected via a flex cable, requiring no advanced technical knowledge.
- 5 FairphoneThis brand stands out for its sustainable philosophy. The Fairphone 5 allows you to replace not only the battery, but also other components, thanks to an extremely accessible modular design.
Other recent models such as the Nokia G32 or the Nokia G310 5G, even from the CMF brand (Nothing's sister brand), explore similar interchangeable housing solutions, although in some cases the battery is not yet fully accessible to the user.
How mobile phones will change: technical challenges and user experience
Adapting to the new regulations involves rethinking the balance between repairability y premium featuresToday's high-end phones often feature cutting-edge processors and complex cooling systems, making modular design and easy battery access difficult.
Users will be able to benefit from several advantages:
- Greater durability: : It will no longer be necessary to change your mobile phone due to a simple battery failure.
- Lower repair costsReplacing a battery is much cheaper than buying a whole phone, promoting long-term savings.
- Freedom and autonomy: : Ability to carry spare batteries and swap them on the fly, ideal for travel, outdoor work, or demanding environments.
- Security: In the event of swelling or failure, the battery can be removed immediately, avoiding further damage.
- Lower environmental impactBy reducing e-waste, the planet gains sustainability.
However, there are also associated risks and challenges:
- Aesthetics and thickness: Returning to removable batteries could mean slightly thicker phones, and manufacturers must strive to find a balance between design and functionality.
- compatibility and qualityEstablishing rigorous standards will be crucial to ensure that replacement batteries are safe and reliable. The EU is considering controls on chemical composition and durability.
- Water resistanceThe most notable technical challenge is maintaining waterproofing, especially with modular systems or removable housings, without losing the IP rating.
Digital battery passport and transparency for the user
Another important novelty of the regulation will be the implementation of a Digital Battery PassportThis digital document will store key information about each battery sold on the market, namely:
- Actual capacity and estimated battery life.
- Materials used in manufacturing and recycled content.
- Information on recyclability, repair and disassembly.
- Safety and certification instructions.
This tool not only supports the transparency for the consumer, but also facilitates recycling, traceability and sustainable management at the end of the product's useful life.
What will happen in the global market? Will it apply outside of Europe?
Although the regulations are limited to the European Union, their impact is expected to be broader. Manufacturing specific models only for Europe would increase production costs, so many companies will choose to implement these changes globally. Furthermore, the transition to greater repairability and sustainability is a growing trend internationally, driven by both regulators and consumer demand.
The success of the measure will ultimately depend on manufacturers' innovation and their willingness to improve both the user experience and environmental protection.
The arrival of removable batteries in smartphones represents one of the most significant changes in the telephone industry in the last decade. This transformation will not only give users back control over their device and its lifespan, but will also mark a milestone in the responsible management of electronic waste. Leading manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung are already adapting their strategies, and although future mobile phone designs may undergo visual changes, the benefits in terms of repairability, cost, and sustainability are undeniable. Consumers, with greater freedom and decision-making power, will be the main beneficiaries of this technological revolution.
