Apple may be forced to make big change to iPhone due to ‘ridiculous’ new EU law

EUROPEAN regulators have green lit a new law that forces tech companies to make the batteries in their devices “easily” accessible.

But onlookers fear it could have big implications for the future of Apple’s iPhones.

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The European Parliament yesterday voted yes to replaceable battery legislation.

It means Apple may be forced to plot a second major redesign just over a year after USB-C charging ports were mandated in the bloc, in an effort to have a universal way to power up devices.

According to the new rules, consumers must be able to “easily remove and replace” any “portable batteries” used in mobile devices sold in European territories from 2027 onwards.

It forms part of the EU’s ambition to make batteries “more sustainable, more durable, and better-performing” and cut down e-waste.

But it also means iPhone owners won’t have to fork out so much cash for repairs, as the battery will be more accessible and easier to replace at home.

iPhone batteries are notoriously difficult to access and replace, so customers often have to pay lofty fees to swap out their old battery.

Samsung recently made a similar effort to help customers save on the time and money it takes to put their device through a repair shop by launching its self-repair programme in the UK and eight other European countries.

But Apple fans are divided.

Some say the new legislation is a win for customers’ pockets and the planet.

But others are concerned it will mean they’ll have to trade up on the iPhone design they know and love.

Folks on Twitter fear it might also make it harder for Apple to make its iPhones waterproof if they move the battery around.

“Being able to swap batteries would be amazing but if it means compromising the design of the iPhone I’d rather just go without,” one customer tweeted.

Another wrote: “It’s not a regulators job to tell Apple on how to design the phones.

“If people don’t like Apple, they can by other phones.”

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