In a move that could change the industry of smartphones In the coming years, the European Union has decided to implement a new regulation that will force mobile phone manufacturers to design devices with replaceable batteries by 2027. This measure seeks to facilitate battery replacement by users without the need for specialized tools or technical assistance.
Currently, most mobile phones on the market adopt a sealed design, which has made changing the battery a complicated and, in many cases, expensive task. However, with the new regulations, brands are expected to adapt their designs so that consumers can Removing and replacing batteries in a simple way, as it happened in the past.
Why has this new law been passed?
The main reason behind this regulation is the reduction of electronic waste, a growing problem today. By allowing users to change the battery without difficulties, the lifespan of mobile devices will be extended, preventing them from being replaced prematurely due to battery problems.
In addition, the European Union seeks to promote circular economy, ensuring that the materials used in batteries can be recycled more easily. This approach will benefit both the environment and consumers, who will no longer be forced to change their phone simply because the battery has lost capacity.
How will it affect mobile phone manufacturers?
This regulation will directly affect technology giants such as Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi, who in recent years have designed their devices with built-in batteries that are difficult to replace. These brands will have to redesign their terminals to comply with the new legislation.
The main challenge will be to maintain a balance between the ease of access to the battery and the water resistance and dust, features that have been key in the most recent models. Until now, unibody designs have allowed manufacturers to improve the durability of devices, but this advantage could be compromised with the return of removable batteries.
Will it apply outside Europe?
Although this law will only be mandatory within the European Union, it is likely that its impact extends globallyDeveloping different versions of the same device for different markets can be a costly strategy for manufacturers, so many brands may choose to modify all their models to comply with European regulations.
A clear example of this occurred with the recent regulation that forced Apple to adopt the USB-C port en the iPhones sold in Europe. Instead of creating separate versions for each region, the company decided to standardize this change across its devices globally.
First mobile phones with replaceable batteries
Although the law will come into force in 2027, some brands have begun to prepare with new models that meet these requirements. Companies such as Samsung and Nokia They have already launched phones with removable batteries.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro and Nokia G22 are some of the first recent phones that allow users to replace the battery without problems. These devices could pave the way for a new generation of smartphones that prioritize the repairability and sustainability.
This change in legislation could be transformative for the mobile phone industry. The ability to easily replace batteries will not only reduce electronic waste, but also give consumers greater autonomy and control over the lifespan of their devices.