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EU to Have Apple Redesigning Its iPhone

Directive seeks to impose user-replaceable batteries on Apple's devices

Oct 8, 2008 14:05 GMT  ·  By
The iPhone's sleek design would almost certainly have to suffer from a change like this, especially models like the white iPhone 3G
   The iPhone's sleek design would almost certainly have to suffer from a change like this, especially models like the white iPhone 3G

Sources are reporting that the EU's directive for restricting hazardous substances (RoHS) is asking from companies like Apple to make it easy for the consumers to replace their own device battery.

The EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive forced Apple to alter its product line before. In fact, the Cupertino electronics maker was faced with discontinuing a product altogether, namely its old, standalone iSight web cam. The company later dealt with the problem by designing the Macs themselves with built-in iSights.

Now, besides imposing strict new limits regarding the use of lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants known as PBB and PBDE, the EU is adding a sub-directive (if you will) to its program. It is called the “New Batteries Directive,” and proposes to mandate that batteries in electronic appliances be "readily removed" for replacement or disposal, AppleInsider is reporting. This stands as evidence that RoHS can and will force Apple to change the way its products are sold / work / are used, impacting both the company and the end user. Hopefully, it will all turn out in the favor of the latter as well.

The EU's 2006 Battery Directive updates existing regulation from 1991, and seeks to prevent the unnecessary use of toxic metals in batteries, but also imposes new device designs, making it easier for the user to dispose and replace his / her own battery.

Gary Nevison of New Electronics is cited in the report as saying that "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."

Apple is well known for selling its iPods and iPhone without giving users the necessary means to replace their own battery. Implicitly, replacement batteries for Apple's devices are not commercialized – not by Apple, anyway. Instead, Apple offers battery replacement service at its retail stores. Needless to point out, Apple would have to both alter its designs and start commercializing replacement battery units, should the Battery Directive be mandated.