Regulations on smartphone battery replacement have been tightened in the EU, and by 2027 it is expected that models that do not have easily replaceable batteries will no longer be able to be sold in the region. Manufacturers have already begun to take steps in this regard. This time, let’s follow the latest trends.
Even with the current model, regulations can be cleared if a replacement tool is included.
The currently reported EU battery replacement regulations do not force batteries to be replaced without tools, as is the case with conventional mobile phones. In addition to replacement methods without tools, the structure should be such that it can be easily replaced using commercially available tools, and if repairs cannot be made with commercially available tools, tools necessary for repair, such as specialized tools, will be provided free of charge along with the parts. The company says this will allow it to clear regulations.
For example, not only models whose back panels are fixed with Phillips screws, but also conventional iPhones, come with replacement parts such as a special screwdriver for removing screws, and chemicals to dissolve the adhesive that secures the screen and battery. If so, this regulation can be cleared.
Repair tools for iPhone are also sold online, but regulations can be avoided if such tools are attached to repair parts as a repair kit.
Another requirement is to make it easier to replace batteries, so the regulations also include making that procedure easier. If anything, this is where the manufacturer’s hardware design is called into question.
The difficulty in replacing batteries in current smartphones is the thin wire called a flexible flat cable (FFC), which must be removed when replacing the battery, and the battery, which is firmly fixed with adhesive tape.
FFC is a cable used to connect various sensors and the board at the bottom of the main board to the main board. If you hook it carelessly or forcibly remove it when disassembling it, it may break the wire or damage the connector, causing a malfunction. To prevent accidents, the battery is also firmly fixed with special adhesive tape, and if you try to remove it by force, the battery may become deformed and cause an unexpected accident. Additionally, the number of work steps required to process these items increases, which hinders easy replacement.
The FFC, which connects the lower board and the main board, is often located above the battery. It is difficult for individuals without repair experience to properly remove this.The image is a disassembled Xperia 1 V
Relatively easy to repair iPhone, Samsung introduces new type of battery starting with Galaxy S23
Perhaps in anticipation of EU regulations, the difficulty of repairs is changing.iPhone 14 battery replacement procedure published by iFixitAs you can see, you can access the battery as soon as you open the back panel. There is no FFC on the battery, and users can replace the battery relatively easily.
Furthermore, due to the design of the main body of the smartphone, many models require disassembling the screen from the screen side to replace the battery, and in these environments, when attempting to remove the screen, there is a possibility of damaging the cables and connectors on the screen side. is high. In this sense, the iPhone can be said to be an “easy to repair” model because the battery can be replaced from the back panel.
Samsung’s Galaxy is already supporting Android devices. Starting with the Galaxy S23 series released in 2023, a new type of battery will be installed, and the battery will have something like a tab attached to it. The battery can be easily removed by pulling this tab.
As mentioned above, if you try to forcefully remove a firmly fixed battery, it may become deformed and cause an unexpected accident such as fire. The design of this device so that it can be easily removed can be thought of as a result of consideration given to European efforts to replace batteries.
Even in the disassembled model of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (on the right), blue ear-like “tabs” can be seen on the battery.I get the feeling that even foldable smartphones will be able to easily replace batteries in the future.
Efforts to make battery replacement easier will be mandatory for smartphones sold in the EU after 2027, and Apple and Samsung, which have large market shares in these regions, have already taken steps like the one above.
Of course, this applies to all smartphones sold in the EU, so other manufacturers will also need to take measures to make battery replacement easier. This time, we asked Motorola, which sells smartphones for the region, if it plans to make batteries easier to replace for future smartphones, and we received the following response.
“We are aware of the mandate for batteries to be user replaceable and other mandates in the EU, and we are continuing to consider them within our company. There is no decision regarding whether to secure the
The company is aware of EU regulations and market trends, and said it is “considering” how to respond in the same way as Apple and Samsung. There is a grace period until 2027 for this regulation, so until then there is no problem with taking the same measures as for the models currently on sale.
On the other hand, in the EU, “ease of repair” has already become a differentiating factor when choosing smartphones in the market, and companies that sell smartphones in Europe are already taking measures or considering countermeasures. We are at the stage of doing so. The initiative taken by Apple and Samsung can be considered an upfront investment in anticipation of product development and after-sales service after the regulations are applied.
Motorola is also selling foldable smartphones globally, including the RAZR 40 Ultra.In the future, even smartphones like this will have to be designed in a way that allows for easy battery replacement.
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2023-11-12 02:51:00
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