Removable Smartphone Batteries May Return Due to EU Regulation, Despite Design Challenges

The Decline of Removable Batteries

The smartphone industry moved away from easily replaceable batteries due to several factors. Consumer preference for thinner devices played a significant role, as removable battery designs often required thicker chassis to accommodate clips and mechanisms. This shift allowed manufacturers more flexibility in internal component placement.

Design and Material Considerations

The adoption of premium materials like glass and aluminum for smartphone bodies also contributed to the decline of removable batteries. Glass, in particular, is fragile and less suitable for removable back panels. Additionally, sealed phone bodies became standard to provide water and dust resistance, a feature complicated by removable components. For example, the iPhone 17 series has an IP68 rating, which would be difficult to achieve with a removable back.

Current Exceptions and Future Outlook

While most modern smartphones lack easily replaceable batteries, some models still offer this feature. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, a rugged device, includes a swappable 4,350mAh battery. The Fairphone 6 also features a replaceable battery, though it requires removing five screws. These examples demonstrate that replaceable batteries are still possible, even if they present design challenges.

A forthcoming European Union regulation is anticipated to mandate the return of some form of easily replaceable batteries in smartphones. This regulation could reverse the industry trend and lead to new design approaches for future devices.