EU Wants Removable Batteries In iPhones

MojoKid writes "Current regulation, introduced with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) in July of 2006, primarily sought to prevent the unnecessary use of toxic metals in batteries as well as making it easier to recycle and dispose of used batteries. The updated 'New Batteries Directive,' as discussed in New Electronics by Gary Nevision, would go much further. Article 11 of the directive, as currently written, would require that devices must be made in such a way as to allow batteries, either for replacement or at end of life for disposal to be 'readily removed.' Of course, Apple's iPhones and iPods wouldn't meet this requirement, as it stands. It's obvious that an iPhone battery replacement program could be considered a cash cow for Apple as well."

Comments

Re:cash cow how?

[lisaparratt]

Most people in Europe, especially the sort to buy an iPhone, will upgraded before the battery's worn out anyway. So it's a complete non-issue.

Re:Mooo

[operagost]

The market selected Chinese-made lead-filled products over more expensive, safer products made by companies in the US. The safety problems weren't noticed until the products were literally everywhere.

Right... because we didn't know there was lead contamination. I guarantee that, given the choice, people will pick the lead-free toys.

If China's manufacturing industry had the environmental health and safety oversight of the US, this would've been avoided.

That's a fundamental flaw of the state-run companies in China. We have standards for imported goods. When a state runs all the businesses within it, regulations are essentially nil because the fox is watching the hen house.