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EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad

EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad

New law to make batteries easily replaceable.

Leander Kahney
June 20, 2023

The European Parliament already forced Apple to adopt USB-C for charging its devices -- and now it’s going after non-user-replaceable batteries.

Newly passed EU legislation will require Apple and other gadget-makers to design batteries to be easily swapped out by device owners.

Of course, this new mandate will have lots of people screaming that design should be left up to Apple, not pointy-headed Eurocrats.

But personally, I think it’s a great idea.

As right-to-repair activists like the folks at iFixit point out, hard-to-replace batteries are a form of planned obsolescence. When the battery dies, the owner will often upgrade the device rather than fixing it.

Of course, there are lots of nuances to this argument, and Apple, in general, is very good at making devices that last for a long time.

But making batteries easy to replace is a good idea. I’m confident Apple will design elegant solutions to comply with the new regulation.

And a lot of Cult of Mac readers would agree, if the results of yesterday’s poll are anything to go by. See the results below.

Also in today’s newsletter:

Talking of fixing your own gadgets, Apple just added the iPhone 14 and some newer MacBooks to its DIY repair program.
Spotify is finally coming to HomePod — in a roundabout way.
Low-cost AirTag alternatives are finally here. Gadget-maker Momax is rolling out its own inexpensive trackers that work perfectly with Apple’s Find My network.
Are you traveling this summer? There’s nothing worse than not knowing a few phrases in the local language. Get started with Babbel, now a whopping 55% off.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.

PRESENTED BY:

EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad

The European Parliament passes legislation that will require batteries in smartphones and tablets to be “readily removable and replaceable.”

Why Apple Watch doesn’t allow third-party watch faces

Cupertino won't give the green light to third-party Apple Watch faces. Apple doesn’t trust other developers to not muck up the wearable.

iPhone media apps can play music on HomePod using Siri with iOS 17

iOS 17 will make playing media from third-party sources like Spotify easier on the HomePod by allowing you to AirPlay content from iPhone using Siri.

^{A message from Momax}

Affordable AirTag alternative lets you locate your stuff using Find My

Just like an AirTag, the inexpensive Momax Tracker Tag uses Apple's Find My network to help you keep track of bags, luggage, pets and more.

Fixing your iPhone 14 and 2022 MacBook just got easier

The Apple Self Service Repair program will soon expand to include the iPhone 14 series as well as MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models from 2022.

New QuietType mechanical keyboard cuts down on the clackity-clack

Kensington unveils its new full-size and (not actually) "silent" MK7500F mechanical keyboard for business and home use.

^{A message from Babbel}

Discover the world this summer with Babbel — get up to 55% off

Experience the world through a whole new language this summer. With Babbel, you'll gain the confidence to communicate at any destination you visit. Our expert linguists designed lessons that focus on real-world conversations, ensuring you're ready to connect with people wherever your travels take you. Get 55% off.

Never lose your Apple TV remote again

If you're pulling your hair out over where you left your Apple TV remote, try installing Elago's updated magnetic Metal Plate R1.

$30 smart scale measures 11 different health metrics

Let's face it. For those trying to lose weight, stepping on the bathroom scale can be the last thing we want to do. Luckily, this smart scale shows you much more than simplistic pounds.

Today in Apple history: Apple's eWorld online service goes live

On June 20, 1994, Apple launched eWorld, an online service for Mac owners that was designed to compete with AOL and similar properties.

Tweetz o’ the day

Apple Maps is awful 😂
— Dan Gage (@EnglishDanYT)
2:16 PM • Jun 19, 2023

The original bento box design? Mac OS control panel, 1984. No labels or explanations, just controls.
— Morten Just (@mortenjust)
9:06 PM • Jun 18, 2023

Absolutely love the design language of Apple’s new UK HQ offices at Battersea Power station. Respecting the unique red brick design of the building while also being distinctly Apple.
The new Store below with “Vintage E” design is also uniquely awesome.
— Shaun Jenks🦖 (@Shaunjenks)
8:27 PM • Jun 18, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

I always understood the beauty of things made by hand. I came to realize that what was really important was the care that was put into it.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Is the EU right to force Apple to make design changes?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Are you bothered by the hard-to-replace battery in the new MacBook Air?

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