Apple might be forced to change their iPhone 3G’s battery design, as the European Union is considering a requirement for cell phone batteries to be easily replaceable. This comes as the European computer-industry is seeing an update to its regulations.
The EU is thinking about placing a directive that’s similar to the RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) directives, which was placed a few years back, forcing the computer industry to eliminate harmful chemicals from its manufacturing processes. This sounds like another good move, well, for the environment at least, as this measure would require manufacturers to have users take out the battery by sliding off the phone’s cover or removing a couple of screws.
The iPhone and iPod don’t have that kind of facility and hence would have to redesign. Apple requires the its gadget owners to send them back the iPhone or iPod for a battery replacement, as it is buried under the main circuit board.
Personally, I don’t really see the problem with this. Two tiny screws at the bottom of the phone (just next to the speakers) could easily be incorporated, and make it a heckuva lot easier for owners, not to mention the lost down time of not having the phone. On the other hand, perhaps Apple doesn’t want us to see just how ugly the iphone looks on the inside?
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Yes, perhaps. Or maybe they want to make some money out of this too
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