[mytailorisrich]

Re. mobile phones it is because it allows sleeker and thinner design, and IMHO it wasn't that common to replace batteries, anyway.

But, really this is a non-issue because if you need a new battery for you phone, including iphone and samsung, just get it replaced. That's not super common to need it (again) but there is no issue having it done. I had it done before.

So overall I am skeptical that it will make a difference or that people will keep devices like phones longer because of this new mandate. I also doubt that the EU Parliament has data on this because many of those new regulations seem very hand-wavy to me and usually presented as obvious.

[Greenpants]

People choose the path of least resistance.

If you can quickly swap out an old phone battery with one you can purchase in a store, it's as easy as doing groceries.

If on the other hand you need to hand off your phone to a third party for repairs, and require people to make a backup of important data, maybe factory reset just in case, get a replacement device for the time without it, tell people you'll be unavailable for a bit... It's a big enough hurdle for people to think "well, guess it's a good enough excuse to upgrade to a new model". I've heard the latter too many times in my surroundings purely due to battery life issues.

[linohh]

The point being made is that if batteries can be replaced without specialized tools and training, the chances of that being done could be higher, potentially leading to longer usage time and reduced e-waste.

[peterfirefly]

Consider that modern Li-ion batteries are better than older Li-ion batteries (and much better than nickel-metal-hydrides). The need for user-replaceable batteries in modern phones is on par with (or realistically a lot lower) than the need for user-replaceable screens.

[mytailorisrich]

Obviously. I understand the stated aim.

My point is that things are rarely obvious. As you say, it "could". It is not obvious that it will make a difference and it might also increase the materials needed on both phones and battery.

I think the EU and European countries have much bigger fish to fry, including with regards to the environment.

[michaelt]

> IMHO it wasn't that common to replace batteries, anyway.

Different phone users have very different usage patterns, in my experience.

I don't use my smartphone at home (I have a PC), at work (I have a PC, and a sense of professionalism), in between (can't use a phone while driving or cycling), while exercising or while socialising (it'd defeat the purpose). I'm basically checking public transit schedules, calling taxis, making payments, and occasionally taking a photo or sending a message.

My phone's still at 80% when I put it to charge while I sleep.

On the other hand, a person who spends a load of time on public transit, streaming netflix the whole time? A person who listens to music all day while they work? A delivery/uber driver? A teenager without a computer of their own, who uses their phone for games and social media? And maybe they're on a budget so they have an older device and/or a smaller battery?

These folks are cycling their battery twice a day. Buying portable power banks. Getting fast chargers, for an early evening battery top-up.

It's these people who need to replace their batteries.

[peterfirefly]

> On the other hand, a person who spends a load of time on public transit, streaming netflix the whole time? A person who listens to music all day while they work?

That could be me. I am amazed at the battery life of my iPhone 16e. I have no need for daily battery swaps.

(Apple claims something like 21 hours of video streaming on a full charge -- that's on Apple's own streaming service but it is still many hours on Netflix and Youtube.)

The "fast charger" is a tiny 20W USB-C charger that I no longer remember if I bought separately or not. It's nice and fast.

Modern phones are really good at not using much power. Modern batteries are remarkably energy dense. They also degrade slower than older batteries, among other reasons because we have better (and cheaper and greener) additives now. Thank you, Dalhousie and Tesla!

This is legislation that would have made a lot of sense 10-15-20 years ago. It is symbolic now (and likely to be slightly worse for the environment).

[dvfjsdhgfv]

> IMHO it wasn't that common to replace batteries, anyway.

Well, it was the most common thing to do for me - after a couple of years, you notice the battery performs worse, so you order a new one and enjoy brand new performance. Now it's hard to do even for laptops, especially some brands.

[SkiFire13]

> But, really this is a non-issue because if you need a new battery for you phone, including iphone and samsung, just get it replaced.

There's a big difference between buying a new battery for swapping it yourself and having to pay someone else to do the same for you.

[1718627440]

Replaceable batteries mean that you can just buy two or more and just carry them around so you can charge them less often. Alternatively you can charge the battery at home while you are away with the phone and have no down time for charging. (Down time meaning you can't carry the phone around.)

[Reason077]

> ”Replaceable batteries mean that you can just buy two or more and just carry them around so you can charge them less often.”

If you think this is what the EU battery regulation means, I’ve got some bad news for you.

Besides, as others pointed out, encouraging people to carry around multiple batteries for their devices would just lead to more e-waste, not less.

Also, carrying “naked” Li-ion batteries that are not installed in a device is prohibited on airlines - another reason why it shouldn’t be encouraged!

[mytailorisrich]

Interestingly if people start to buy extra batteries as you suggest then this will completely defeat the stated purpose of having replaceable batteries!

That being said, now they buy external power banks...

[bmicraft]

The Galaxy S5 was only 8.1mm including camera bump, removable battery and IP67 rating.

[hermanzegerman]

Oh yeah, because paying Apple 120$ for a 30$ part is totally the same Vs just doing it on your own with no tools.

Also, your phone must be in pristine condition because otherwise you will need to "repair" tons of stuff you don't need repaired/replaced.

[stefanfisk]

You can just use a third party shop.