The European Union has taken significant steps towards sustainability by addressing smartphone batteries. According to this, Apple is required to make iPhone batteries easily replaceable by users. The decision, discussed in the European Parliament, also includes the batteries of other devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

iPhone must have “easily replaceable” batteries

Under the approved directive in the EU Parliament, companies producing smartphones, including Apple, are required to produce “easily replaceable” batteries. According to the regulation, the term “easily replaceable” means that the battery can be repaired without the need for special tools, thermal energy, or solvents.

According to the statement from the Parliament, this directive was prepared with sustainability in mind, aiming to enable users to easily replace their batteries. In addition to replaceable batteries, the directive also aims to promote the recycling of batteries used in electric vehicles.

Among the new targets set by the EU, there is a goal to achieve 45% portable battery collection by 2023, 63% by 2027, and 73% by 2030. The legislation also targets specific recycling processes for materials such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and lead.

Furthermore, manufacturers are required to be more transparent and detailed about batteries. Technological devices will display labels and QR codes indicating capacity, performance, durability, chemical composition, and the “recyclable” symbol.

It is currently unclear how Apple will react to the regulations prepared by the EU. However, the company does not design iPhone casings to facilitate easy battery replacement.