Five people who reportedly work on iPhone manufacturing for Apple claim that the tech giant is testing a method to make it easier for users to remove the glue securing the batteries in their devices. Apple is reportedly aiming to simplify the process of replacing the battery in an iPhone by offering self-service options in addition to visiting an Apple Store or authorized service center.
Although an iPhone user has the ability to change the battery in their device, they must still rent specialized tools from Apple to complete the task. The glue securing the battery in place makes it difficult to remove, but Apple is aiming to improve this process in upcoming iPhone models. According to a recent report, at least one iPhone 16 model this year will have a new battery removal system, with all four iPhone 17 models expected to have it next year.
The current system necessitates an iPhone user to use tweezers to remove adhesive strips in order to replace the battery. The new system, called “electrically-induced adhesive debonding,” utilizes electricity to easily and quickly detach the battery from the iPhone’s chassis, even with the adhesive in place.
Apple’s upcoming battery removal system will be a step up from the current process of replacing an iPhone’s battery, but it is not as simple as the method used for older smartphones like the Motorola DROID from 2009. The DROID was the first major competitor to the iPhone and had a replaceable battery. Even as recent as 2014, Samsung was still promoting replaceable batteries for their Galaxy S5. Various manufacturers, including both original equipment manufacturers and third-party companies, offered larger batteries for these phones with custom rear panels to fit the bigger cells.
Apple does not intend for this change, as the tech giant will still need specialized tools to remove the iPhone’s battery, as they do currently. So, why would Apple bother making this change? The reason lies with the European Council. The EU Parliament passed a law over a year ago mandating that smartphone users must be able to replace their batteries on their own. This law prohibits the use of glue to secure the battery.
The law does not specify that the battery must be easily accessible, but only that it can be removed with “commercially available tools.” Specialized tools may also be necessary if they are provided at no charge. It seems that Apple may be proactively preparing for the law to come into effect, likely in 2027.
