All smartphones, including iPhones, must have replaceable batteries by 2027 in the EU::undefined

  • KrisND@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Not a bad idea but there are flaws and this also doesn’t seem to address the issue of pricing or availability.

    • So you can remove the battery, will you be able to buy one.
    • They could prevent 3rd parties from making batteries that work.
    • They could just not sell battery replacements.
    • They could add more parts needed, like seals, screws that strip too easily, that annoying sticky tape etc.
    • BastingChemina@slrpnk.net
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      1 year ago

      The your last point the text specify that batteries can be safely removed and replaced using “basic and commonly available tools” and “without causing damage to the appliance or batteries.”

      • KrisND@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Yes, with basic and common tools. Doesn’t mean they have to be of quality, cheap metal screws for example. Hopefully not the case but it’d be annoying.

        For example if they opt for the screw method, over the pop-off back (which I’d prefer). There will be screws to remove, most likely a gasket to replace, tape or something that ensures the battery doesn’t move around etc.

        Even with current battery replacements, there is more parts then just the battery during the replacement. And of course “without causing damage” except if you have to remove the back that is glass and knock it off the table, that’s a +1 for apple, same if you loose a tiny screw or something else that is 1/1000 chance but Apple still makes money.

    • aard@kyu.de
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      1 year ago

      We already have regulations about spare parts availability and pricing for some devices (mainly household appliances) - and it is planned to slowly enforce regulation for other device types over time. They’ll watch the market, and if apple decides to be stupid that’ll come pretty quickly.

      Just like with the appliances where some vendors had their shops ready way before regulation we already have some phone vendors prepare for that - like Nokia selling some spares via ifixit. So if apple decides to play stupid games it’ll be up against vendors that’ll be completely fine pushing regulation through quickly as hurting apple will only benefit them.

      • chiliedogg@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I had a washing machine where the price of the replacement motherboard (ludicrous this is this even a thing, btw) was triple the price of the entire washing machine.

        Making parts available doesn’t make it realistic to repair stuff.

      • Yendor@reddthat.com
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        1 year ago

        Just like with the appliances where some vendors had their shops ready way before regulation we already have some phone vendors prepare for that - like Nokia selling some spares via ifixit. So if apple decides to play stupid games it’ll be up against vendors that’ll be completely fine pushing regulation through quickly as hurting apple will only benefit them.

        You mean like Apple’s Self Service Repair, which has been available for a few years now?…

        https://support.apple.com/self-service-repair

    • JGrffn@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      The neat thing about EU regulations is that they are iterated over constantly, so even if they don’t get it 100% right the first time, they’re able to nail things down in subsequent iterations. Look at how quickly they struck down any fantasies Apple had of still fucking people over with their own type c implementation fuckery. The direction the EU is taking is already doing plenty good for the entire world.

      • KrisND@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I don’t see how you decide what my beliefs or views are by a single message, interpreted by you. Pretty unfair to assume not to mention when I already stated “Not a bad idea”. But your message makes a great point, the glass is half full and they have more work to make it full.

        Of course it’s a step in the right direction. However, it could be better if they included more than just requiring the battery to be removable before hand. As is we have to wait until 2027, and then further delays for adjustments to be made etc. Why not spend the time now to add to it to ensure an available market.

      • hydra@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Back in 2014 you just bought a spare and replaced it, nowadays they all want to play the same bullshit games Apple innovated on. It was was about time an authority that ruled over a market with significant purchasing power made a decision against it.

      • KrisND@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Although I think it’s too expensive, this is why we need frame.work to make a phone too (or any company to do this). Great idea, good products, their markup just seems too high imo.