Apple and Samsung, the two giants of the smartphone world, are unable to increase battery capacity, a top priority for users. According to claims based on a reliable Chinese source, the primary reason for this isn’t technical limitations, but rather strict air transportation regulations for phone battery capacity imposed by the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). These legal hurdles are making it difficult for manufacturers to increase battery sizes.

Why Phone Battery Capacity Isn’t Increasing: The UN 38.3 Obstacle

According to Ice Universe, known for its accurate coverage of Samsung, major brands like Apple and Samsung are looking to increase their battery capacity. However, EU and US regulations regarding the size, capacity, and safety of batteries that can be carried on airplanes are preventing this from happening. Legal reasons stand out as the primary constraining factor. Among these regulations, UN 38.3, a global standard, directly classifies lithium-ion batteries over 20 Wh as “hazardous materials.”

Classifying batteries as hazardous materials brings with it strict regulations, especially for transportation to Europe. When transporting such products, companies face additional paperwork, warning labels, and special packaging requirements. These requirements naturally create additional costs and logistical complexity. To avoid these additional costs and simplify logistics processes, smartphone manufacturers often choose to enter the global market with lower-capacity batteries.

The effects of these legal restrictions are clearly visible in the phones they release. The global versions of many smartphone models introduced in the Chinese market use lower-capacity batteries. The source believes that some EU regulations are flawed and hinder human progress. On the other hand, the fact that some models, like the Honor Power 2, are approaching 10,000 mAh demonstrates the technological feasibility of battery expansion. However, these models often enter the global market with varying battery capacities.

So, what are your thoughts on air transport regulations that prevent phone battery capacity increases? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!