All smartphones and iPhones, must have replaceable batteries by 2027 in the EU
L: https://mashable.com/article/replaceable-batteries-smartphones-iphones-2027
C: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36736222
posted on 2023.07.15 at 08:55:20 (c=2, p=7)
@hkrn except - there's exceptions. If the device is meant to be waterproof - exempt. If the device has a sufficiently high quality battery (it's defined in the statute) - exempt. It's likely the iPhone of 2027 will qualify on both counts.
So we will be able to choose between waterproof and replaceable battery. It's an improvement.
It would be time to stop worrying about making phones slimmer and start worrying about making them more resilient and repairable.
Having to buy a case for a brand new device because it is too brittle is ridiculous.
Bingo.
My understanding is this is happening anyway; getting wet is a common failure mode, and apparently consumer preference in Japan *insists* on waterproof - so a waterproof phone in general is desirable. I know personally I'd prefer waterproof to being able to change batteries easily.
Point being - don't expect easily replaceable batteries on iPhones, despite the news stories.
@jgg @Biggles @hkrn I would bet that all phones will be waterproof just so we don't have choice