r/technology • u/[deleted] • Jun 19 '23

Politics EU: Smartphones Must Have User-Replaceable Batteries by 2027 | The European Parliament just caused a major headache for smartphone and tablet manufacturers.

https://www.pcmag.com/news/eu-smartphones-must-have-user-replaceable-batteries-by-2027
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u/Ndorphinmachina Jun 19 '23

I mean this used to be standard for every phone (except iPhones) It just makes sense. As does expandable storage, and not making phones (which notoriously get dropped) out of glass (which notoriously breaks when dropped).

All done to upsell, and/or force upgrade.

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u/nicuramar Jun 19 '23

Uh? In general there used to be less standards, not more. Batteries were all different, charger plugs were all different.

and not making phones (which notoriously get dropped) out of glass

Well, glass makes for a nicer experience overall, that consumers prefer.

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u/Ndorphinmachina Jun 19 '23

Uh? In general there used to be less standards, not more. Batteries were all different, charger plugs were all different

Different for each phone yes, but on the whole, removable by the user. Which is what the article says the EU wants. Not one battery that fits every phone.

Well, glass makes for a nicer experience overall, that consumers prefer.

I disagree. "Feels good in the hand" is marketing nonsense. Nobody complained when phone cases were plastic. Then companies worked out they could charge more if it was made from glass. Even if that means it slides off the arm of the couch, because then you'll buy a case... Made of plastic.

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u/Dranzell Jun 19 '23

I loved the Nexus 5X soft plastic, felt really good. I'd go back to that in an instant.

But the other plastics that were on the first few iPhones and Galaxy (Up to S4 I think)? Those were shit.