Apple reportedly making it easier to replace iPhone batteries

Apple is exploring the use of new technology that will simplify the process of replacing the battery on future iPhone models, according to a report. The Cupertino company is reportedly revising the design of its battery housing in a move that could be part of the company’s efforts to simplify the process of removing an iPhone’s battery. Apple has yet to announce plans to make iPhone batteries more replaceable, which could be prompted by incoming EU regulations that are expected to require removable batteries on electronics.

The information reports (through 9to5Mac) that Apple is working on a new way to replace an iPhone’s battery. The technology, called “electrically induced adhesive debonding,” will allow users to remove the battery from the iPhone’s internals by “delivering a small jolt of electricity to the battery,” the report said, citing people familiar with the company’s plans.

Apple’s current iPhone models come with batteries covered in foil and held in place using strips of adhesive, meaning users have to use tweezers to pry the device out of the handset’s body. It’s not a user-friendly process — you can read more about it over at Apple’s support page.

According to the report, the company could encase future iPhone batteries in metal instead of foil, allowing the new technology to “detach” and replace the battery. While this may be easier than pulling the battery out of the handset, the company will reportedly continue to advise users not to attempt repairs themselves.

The publication claims that Apple is planning to equip one model of its iPhone 16 series of smartphones with easier-to-replace batteries this year, while the technology could be available on all models next year. Last year, an image of an alleged iPhone 16 Pro battery with a metal casing leaked online.

Since Apple tends to keep hardware changes and improvements under wraps until the devices are unveiled, we can expect to learn more about the technology (if it exists) in the coming months, when the iPhone 16 series is unveiled.