Apple is working to make removing the battery from the iPhone 16 easier, in line with EU regulations

Rumor Mill: Most modern smartphones have a sleek design, which makes removing the battery much more complicated than with earlier mobile devices. New EU rules could force manufacturers to rethink their designs, and reports indicate that Apple will comply with them starting with this year’s iPhone. These rumors coincide with previous leaks showing a redesigned battery case in the company’s latest phone model.

Sources told The Information (via MacRumors) that replacing the battery on the iPhone 16 will be slightly easier. While the process will likely still require the help of a professional, Apple is making adapting to new European Union regulations less complicated and risky.

Removing the battery from the iPhone 15 involves a number of delicate steps, including carefully removing the adhesive strips that hold the battery in place with tweezers (or a plastic card, according to iFixit ). The new method reportedly involves applying a low-voltage current to free the battery from the casing.

The update could be possible thanks to the iPhone 16’s new matte metal battery cover that was leaked last year. Compared to the black film Apple has used so far, the metal could improve heat distribution to minimize overheating. Another effect of this change could be a redesigned battery removal procedure.

Cupertino is following a law passed by the European Union last year that requires new smartphones to allow users to easily remove and replace internal batteries by 2025. However, removing the back cover of the iPhone 16 likely won’t be significantly easier than on its predecessors, so many owners will continue to rely on Apple Stores or other repair shops. Still, the upcoming phone is likely to launch around the same time the company is expected to introduce more lenient repair policies.

Apple has recently made other significant changes to the iPhone in the wake of tightening EU regulations. The iPhone 15 became the first variant to replace Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable connector with the standard USB-C, and European iOS users now have more options for where they can download software.

Other rumored changes coming to the iPhone 16 include the thinnest bezel yet, a capture button, and the first increase in NPU cores in four years. The more powerful NPU would be used to improve the performance of Apple Intelligence’s recently announced generative AI functionality.

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Apple is working to make removing the battery from the iPhone 16 easier, in line with EU regulations