This is how a new European law could change smartphones forever

Smartphones were quite revolutionary when they appeared. However, a new legislation approved in 2023 by the European could change things forever.

The European Parliament has approved a set of laws that will change the design and production of smartphones and other electronic devices.

Among other things, the so-called ‘Battery Law’ seeks to reduce the waste generated by all types of batteries across the European Union. That's not the biggest change.

According to the law, manufacturers will be forced to design “portable batteries in appliances in such a way that consumers can themselves easily remove and replace them”.

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In layman’s terms, smartphones, tablets, and cameras will require batteries that can be easily changed by anyone.

This will force companies to redesign most tablets and a good number of smartphones that currently are on the market.

The new EU legislation, PC Magazine writes, could bring forth a new era for smartphones.

Apple had previously forced to change the design of the iPhone to replace the lighting port with a USB-C port.

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However, this will be forced to radically change one of the most iconic phones.

The iPhone 15 allows the owner to be able to replace the phone battery, though you need to use a part that can be only purchased at an official Apple store.

Plus, as several tech websites point out, the iPhone 14 can be opened from its back side.

Meanwhile, Mashable reports that Apple launched a self-service repair program for certain models. Not exactly the same, but a step into not having to go to the store.

However, as Mashable points out, it’s a far cry from being able to swipe your phone battery quickly, as the EU intends.

Another element to take into account is how battery technology has changed a lot in the last few years. A state-of-the-art phone is very different that your old Nokia or Motorola.

According to the website Lifewire, the novel European policy states that batteries should be able to be replaced with “commercially-available tools” instead of specialized equipment.

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The law, which was approved by the European Parliament in June 2023, and is entering into force in 2024. However, the EU legislation stipulates that replaceable batteries for smartphones and tablets should be available for buyers by 2027.

Currently, it’s too early to say if such European policies will have any effect in other markets, such as the Americas, Asia or Africa.