Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple could use electrically-induced adhesive debonding to make battery removal easier on future iPhones. The company could reportedly use this technology in at least one iPhone 16 model this year.
This move could help Apple make iPhones more repair-friendly and adhere to upcoming EU laws.
Future iPhones might not use glue to hold batteries in place
In recent years, Apple has made several internal changes to the iPhone to make repair easier. In 2022, iFixit called the iPhone 14 “the most repairable iPhone in years.” Then, in 2023, iFixit found that accessing the iPhone 15 Pro Max internals is much easier than previous models, but replacing some broken components can be challenging.
The company has made these internal design changes to adhere to local regulations and pressure from regulatory bodies worldwide.
Building on its progress so far, Apple wants to use a new technology to make battery replacement easier for users, claims The Information in its June 27 report citing five people. Adhesive strips help hold batteries inside existing iPhones in place, and you must use tweezers to remove them. A “specialized machine and tray” is then used to install the new battery.
With the new electrically induced adhesive debonding, a metal plate encloses the battery. This will reportedly enable you to dislodge the battery from the chassis by supplying a small amount of current.
The report aligns with early iPhone 16 Pro leaks, showing its battery with a metal backplate.
Apple could use this technology on at least one iPhone 16 model this year. In 2025, the company could expand the tech’s use to its entire iPhone lineup.
iPhone battery replacement could soon get a lot easier
An easier battery replacement process could help Apple adhere to the EU’s upcoming legislation in 2027, which requires companies to design devices with user-replaceable batteries.
Apple will also have to improve the iPhone’s design to make accessing its internals easier for end users. Despite notable improvements, this process is still challenging, especially without specialized tools and equipment.
