APPLE could be forced by the EU to make another massive change to iPhones – after already banning the firm’s charging cable.
The latest shakeup could have far-reaching implications if given the go-ahead.
GettyiPhone’s lightning cable already faces a ban[/caption]
Leaders want all batteries sold to be easy for users to remove and replace themselves.
That would not only spell trouble for Apple but just about every other modern smartphone made for Android as well.
Beyond portable batteries for electronic devices like phones, the rules will also cover industrial batteries, SLI batteries found in cars and those used for electric scooters and ebikes.
You may remember mobiles from yesteryear used to have removable batteries that you could easily slide out.
They were gradually phased out so that devices could be more compact and provide waterproofing.
To replace batteries you usually have to pay an expert to do it.
EU Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement earlier this month.
The proposal is designed to cut down on electronic waste, focusing on the entire battery life cycle from design to end-of-life.
It’s also hoped the push will make smartphones last longer allowing people to make their own repairs with ease.
But a huge shift like this can’t be sorted over night.
Once member states have agreed to put the rule into force, manufacturers will have three and a half years to comply.
While the legislation is designed with EU countries in mind it could influence how companies make products all over the world – as it could be costly for them to build two different models of everything they make.
Apple already has to make a huge adjustment to future iPhones as a result of recently passed EU laws.
Decision makers have banned the use of any other charging ports except USB-C.
USB-C is already widely used on most Android phones but Apple has its own lightning cable.
The iPhone maker warned early on that such a rule could affect innovation – but agreed to comply once it was approved.
From autumn 2024 all will have to go with USB-C.
EU Parliament and Council will have to formally approve the newest agreement before anything else happens.
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