Report: Apple plans to introduce new battery replacement method in iPhone 16

Apple is developing technology that will simplify iPhone battery replacements, due to be unveiled later this year. information I will report.

The move comes in response to new EU legislation that will require smartphone makers to allow owners to replace their batteries using readily available tools by 2025. Sources involved in the iPhone manufacturing process say Apple is considering using electrically-induced adhesive removal technology to achieve this.

The current method for replacing an iPhone battery is difficult, requiring you to use tweezers to remove the adhesive tape. If the tape breaks during the procedure, you’ll need to use additional steps using heat or solvents to remove the adhesive. After removing the old battery, you’ll need a tray and specialized machinery to safely install the new battery.

In contrast, the new technology Apple is testing encases the battery in metal rather than black foil. Earlier this year, images were leaked of an iPhone 16 Pro battery with a purported metal case. A low-voltage current would allow the new battery to be quickly removed from the case. Despite this advancement, consumers would still need to open the iPhone themselves, a process that remains complicated due to the use of glue and screws to secure the iPhone’s display and keep it water-resistant.

The new battery replacement method is expected to be introduced in at least one iPhone 16 model later this year, and may expand next year to all versions of the iPhone 17. Given the complexity of the procedure and potential risks, Apple is expected to continue to recommend that users seek professional assistance for battery replacements.

Apple could be exempt from EU laws mandating consumer-friendly battery replacement if its devices meet certain criteria, such as retaining 83% capacity after 500 full charges and 80% capacity after 1,000 full charges. The iPhone 15 meets the 1,000 charge standard, but previous models do not meet the 500 charge requirement.

Apple has a history of offering devices that are difficult to repair due to their sealed designs for water resistance and durability, but in recent years it has taken steps to address those concerns by introducing self-repair options and providing diagnostic tools.