iPhone 16 Batteries Will be Easier to Replace to Comply with EU Law

We can anticipate significant battery design updates in the iPhone 16 without needing a teardown to confirm. The previously leaked metal battery casing instead of black foil now makes sense—it likely facilitates the generation of low-voltage electricity, allowing for easier battery removal. This design also aligns with improvements in thermal regulation, enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.

Last year’s iPhone 15 used a more integrated battery design. The battery was more tightly bonded to the internal components with a tough adhesive, making it less straightforward to replace. The battery replacement process for the iPhone 15 was more complex. The battery was glued in place, and its removal required more extensive disassembly and careful handling to avoid damage to other components.

Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 features a new modular battery design to be more easily replaceable, with the battery now being mounted using adhesive strips that can be removed without damaging the device.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

During the iPhone 16 Pro press release, there’s no specific announcement highlighting the easier battery replacement on the pro models, unlike Apple’s statement with the regular iPhone 16. However, the thermal improvements and redesign have been emphasized. Here are the key highlights:

• Maximized thermal capacity with a new machined chassis made from 100%recycled aluminum

• Titanium frame

• Solid state diffusion

• Graphite-clad aluminum substructure

• Back glass optimizations

The new innovative architecture “enables up to 20 percent improvement in sustained performance,” which is powering up advanced systems like Apple Intelligence.

Apple is expected to roll out a new battery replacement system with at least one iPhone 16 model, and it could become standard across all iPhone 17 models next year. While this new method makes battery replacements easier, Apple will likely still recommend that users go to professionals for the job due to the complexity and potential risks.

There’s also a chance Apple could bypass the EU’s new battery replacement rules. The law requires devices to:

• Maintain 83% of battery capacity after 500 charge cycles and 80% after 1,000 cycles

• IP67 water and dust resistance rating

The iPhone 15 already meets the 1,000-cycle requirement, though earlier models don’t hit the 500-cycle mark.

Apple’s devices have traditionally been tough to repair, mainly to keep them water-resistant and durable. However, the company has been making it easier by offering self-repair options and tools to help with diagnostics.

Below are the general battery requirements for smartphones required by the EU law to be fully implemented by manufacturers by 2025 if not included in the exemption criteria.

• User-Replaceable Batteries: The EU mandates that smartphone batteries should be easier for consumers to replace, without requiring professional assistance.
  
  

• Battery Health Standards: Batteries must retain at least 83% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles and 80% after 1,000 cycles.
  
  

• Recycling Requirements: Manufacturers must use recyclable materials in batteries and ensure that end-of-life batteries can be collected and recycled.
  
  

• Sustainability: Batteries should be designed with longer lifespans to reduce e-waste and meet environmental sustainability goals.
  
  

• Information Transparency: Manufacturers must provide clear instructions and tools to allow users to replace batteries or seek professional help when needed.