Apple is developing a new technology called "electrically induced adhesive debonding" to make iPhone batteries easier to replace, potentially starting with the iPhone 16 series in 2024, according to multiple reports. The technology may use a low-voltage electrical burst to remove the battery from the chassis, simplifying the process compared to the current method of removing adhesive strips with tools.
Apple is also exploring encasing iPhone batteries in metal instead of foil, with analysts suggesting the iPhone 16 Pro's battery could be the first to feature this new design. This move aims to comply with upcoming EU regulations that require smartphone batteries to meet set design and recycling rules by 2027 or potentially as early as 2025.
Apple is also expected to be easing restrictions on third-party repairs for iPhones, allowing software support for third-party replacement batteries and displays.
The True Tone feature, which adjusts display white balance, will be enabled for third-party replacement screens, but users can choose to disable it if the display does not meet expectations. Apple will display health metrics for third-party replacement batteries, but cannot verify them due to potential manipulation of metrics.
While the new technology aims to improve repairability, many users may not have the skills or desire to perform battery swaps involving screen removal, and most would prefer to pay for repairs. Apple's white paper discusses balancing phone durability and repairability, citing a 44% drop in repair rates with waterproofing on the iPhone 7 series.
Sources: Forbes, TechRadar, Times of India, India TV News, Gadgets 360, TechSpot, Jagran, The Valley Post, Supercar Blondie, TechnoSports, News9Live, Deccan Chronicle, Android Authority, Interesting Engineering, AppleMagazine, iDropNews, MobileSyrup.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
