Oct 07

Replaceable iPhone Batteries!?

If it doesn't have a replaceable battery, don't buy it, that's what I always say, but what if the thing we're talking about is the almighty iPhone? Well, I basically could say the same thing, but who would do as I say, simply because of this? Oh, wait, there are a lot of other iPhone 3G problems to make you change your mind...or not. After all, these problems won't take away the "cool factor" of the "more than just a phone" from Apple, but hearing about replaceable iPhone batteries is something everyone was waiting for, but none would have ever imagined to see it coming true!

Wait, wait, wait! You won't be able to just walk to the store next corner and ask for some replaceable iPhone batteries, because this dream is going to be turned into reality by the European Union, currently preparing new directives that are going to include the "New Batteries Directive," proposing that batteries in all electronic appliances selling in the EU to be "readily removed" for displacement or disposal.

This will be a new step, after the RoHS(Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) made things a lot tougher for electronics manufacturers,

with the new limits imposed for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants known as PBB and PBDE.

According to an article published by Gary Nevison in New Electronics, "the requirement is clearly intended to ensure that users can remove batteries by opening a cover by hand or after removal of one or two screws. The producer will also have to provide the user with details on how to remove the battery safely."

Since Apple's iPod and iPhone are the most notorious products with built in batteries that require special tools or professional assistance to remove them, let's all hope the EU won't change the new directives until they are finalized so that the Cupertino-based company continues to deliver them as they do now. After all, I am sure US-based consumers would also love Apple for doing the right thing and making the replaceable iPhone batteries a dream that came true...