EU directive aims to make all batteries removable, even THAT battery
By Donald Melanson 
posted Oct 7th 2008 1:01PM
posted Oct 7th 2008 1:01PM
The European Union already initiated a Battery Directive in 2006 that aimed to make it easier to dispose of and recycle old batteries, but it looks like it's now taking things one big step further with its "New Battery Directive," which proposes that batteries in all electronic devices should be able to be "readily removed" for replacement or disposal. New Electronics' Gary Nevison further adds that "the requirement is clearly intended to ensure that users can remove batteries by opening a cover by hand or after removal of one or two screws," which would obviously pose a bit of a problem for the iPhone, not to mention every iPod and even a few non-Apple devices. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time that Apple has tangled with the EU, and we have a sneaking suspicion that it won't be the last.
Actually the iPhone 3G has 2 screws on the bottom. Once those are removed you can pull it apart (not as easy as it sounds though).
apparently Euros can't find proper screwdriver
@ Bobby
Hey now, speak proper American!
Oh look, those whiney folks in the EU opened their traps again.
I am usually against government getting into stuff like this, but I think this is a great place for a law to be added. Not only will it extend the life of products, it will also cut down on electronics in landfills and also allow for cheaper battery solutions for the not so tech savy consumers.
It's actually a bad idea to make Apple do that, because right now you have to send in your iPhone for a battery replacement, and Apple recycles the old one. This way, stupid people over there that replace their iPhone/iPod battery every year are going to be adding even MORE to the landfills!
They should just add a clause stating that when the company is already taking the initiative to replace the battery in an environmentally sound manner, they can design their products however they want.
This will lead to more batteries in landfills, not less. The average person isn't going to change out their batter just tote it to a battery recycle bin. They will simply toss it in the trash.
On the other extreme of this argument, if it was required to make batteries non-user replaceable and required any place that would change your battery to abide by strict guidelines for disposal you would see a lot more batteries being properly disposed of. But that isn't a viable option for many, many reasons.
This won't pass as is and Apple will continue to make thinner, more durable electronics without easily breakable battery hatch.
"Who?"
You do have at least a limited point there... most people shouldn't be trusted with hazardous substances, but it's not that simple. You could argue that the shipping back and forth for what could be made a simple replacement isn't environmentally responsible. Perhaps a core charge could be required when purchasing an new lithium battery, so that the dead battery would need to be returned to the retailer for a deposit refund.
Regarding people who say this will increase batteries in landfill, due to people tossing their old battery. In Europe garbage is being increasingly policed, so you cant easily throw away what you want. I am talking about people going through your trash regularly and refusing to take your garbage away if they don't like what they see, or even fine you.
http://deathby1000papercuts.com/2008/09/uk-garbage-nannies-garbage-collection-snooping-rules-torture-brits/
@ Who?
Do you think the people who are too thick to not recycle their old batteries are going to know about Apple's battery replacement policy? Some of the really stupid ones are just going to throw away the entire iPod once the thing can't hold a charge anymore.
"It's actually a bad idea to make Apple do that..."
Unlike what the Engadget editors might think, this is not directed towards Apple specifically. It's yet another directive by the EU to lessen our impact on the environment. Europe is also trying to make it easier to recycle batteries, you simply drop them off at any retailer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_Directive
"right now you have to send in your iPhone for a battery replacement, and Apple recycles the old one."
If the iPhone battery were removable by the user, they could remove the old battery and send it to Apple in exchange for a new battery. Same thing but less stuff to ship, less packaging, better for the environment. Sure, this'll never work in US because they're all for consumerism at the expense of everything else in the world, but it'll work fine in other Western countries cause they have a different value system.
@Mikey
Most people sell their iPod/iPhone when they no longer want it, not throw the entire thing away!!!
The only people who are rich or stupid enough to throw it away wouldn't have taken the initiative to replace and recycle the battery anyway, so this doesn't really affect them, does it?
@bug-eyed monster
You can't assume that everyone in the EU would pay the extra money to recycle hazardous material properly, and your stereotypical behavior is not appreciated.
I don't' think you understand the typical consumer. If it costs $100 to replace a battery on a 3 year old $150 device, the consumer will alway decide to buy a new one (with better features) and shelf their old one. They won't sell it on eBay, because what they can sell it for is not worth the trouble and shipping costs. So, it will sit on a shelf for another 2 years until it is worth nothing, then get thrown into the trash/landfills. In theory your argument sounds valid, but just by looking at my family and friends habbits, I can say that designs/programs such as Apples sealed electronics do not help promote recycling of batteries. It only hampers the longevity of their products, which is their ultimate goal allowing them a quicker return on future sales.
@AlexNC
"I don't' think you understand the typical consumer. If it costs $100 to replace a battery on a 3 year old $150 device"
I don't think you understand... anything.
Apple offers a battery replacement for $49 (iPod shuffle), $59 (iPod nano and classic), $79 (iPod touch) plus $6.95 shipping- http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
One way or the other, someone's getting screwed over this.
Why couldn't apple fully meet the purpose of this policy by agreeing to take back all unwanted/dead ipods or replacing batteries? It seems sort of goofy--this is an environmental policy. Replacement of batteries by Apple will lead to *more* responsible disposal than user replacement. And if people are tossing the entire ipod in the trash, do waht apple does by offering credit towards the purchase of a new one.
And why not both? It's cheaper for the customer and the customer doesn't have to part with his iThingy or waste time at the Apple store.
But it's true that we can't blame much the customers, since most Apple fans will buy a new version as soon as it gets out and their old iThingy version battery won't have time to be dead.
Apple already does that (http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/)
what's wrong with this being an environmental concern?!? of course it is! batteries are TOXIC. i don't about you, but i for one don't want those chemicals in my drinking water. as for apple taking ipods back, it's not compulsory, and most people are too lazy to bother. it's far from easy. people already throw freaking refrigerators into the trash, and it's where most ipods are going to end up, too. replaceable batteries at least diminish the chance of the battery going into the ground with them.
Although I cringe at almost anything the EU feels the need to mandate, it really is a good idea. I mean they're almost always make some kind of leap in battery capacity and life-span. Shame we can't easily take advantage as iPhone users.
This is a terrible idea. Okay, so the iPhone, iPod, and Macbook Air are one thing, but think about what affect this directive would have on other non-Apple devices. This is a BIG deal.
Take bluetooth headsets for instance. If bluetooth headset manufacturers are forced to make their headset so that you can easily open and replace the battery, the size of those devices will easily double. Given the way manufacturers work nowadays anything they design is designed to meet the regulations for all the major regions around the world. That means, headsets in America or Asia or South America (etc.) will be affected by another stupid European law.
Much like the stupid european law that's in place that's limited audio volume (maybe that's just a french law).
Agreed, it is a great idea.
az_runner,
bluetooth headset size doubling? I beg to differ. A slide-off piece of plastic allowing access to an internal battery will double the headset size?
It is pure irresponsibility. Creation of disposable devices and customer ignorance about rechargeable batteries (and their charge lifetime) that has made them get away with this for so long. I, for one, would never buy a device without easily removable batteries (ie. devices requiring surgery for replacement).
This includes Bluetooth headsets, almost every non-phone Walkman, iPods, etc. Devices designed for disposal never make me bust out the wallet, nor give me the flexibility to carry a spare battery with me. Impractical junk.
Normally when the EU pushes out some new legislation everyone groans and mutters something unpostable under their breath.
However, I think this could be the first really good bit of legislation that has come out of the EU for some time.
Certainly all devices like phones, MP3 players, laptops should have easily replaceable batteries and it only seems to be Apple who screw their customers over by not having easily replaceable batteries, instead they insist that people sent the device off to be fixed.
So, I for one am in favour of this legislation, in fact get it in place ASAP so Apple are forced to withdraw their products, that would be funny.
Unlikely, but it would serve them right.
Three chears for socialism.
The funny thing is, this doesn't even seem to be a competition issue--you know, make it cheaper to replace batteries or allow 3d party batteries. It's solely about environmentalism. And it seems pretty misguided as I suggest above.
If by socialism you mean protecting consumers against greedy (fruity) corporations, then yes, cheers to that!
Or for the guys in the USA - 700 billion cheers for socialism!
I think the term you're looking for is "regulation".
Socialism... you might want to look that up.
Ignorance at it's finest.
@Balls:
Or if Apple don't wanna conform to the rules and regulations within the EU they can just stop selling their products over here.
This is probably an environmental issue. Easier access to batteries will hopefully mean more people taking the opportunity to have their old ones disposed of properly. Everybody knows global warming is a huge threat, and everybody agrees action needs to be taken. This is an (admittedly small) part of that action.
Just because the current US Government is pig-headed and defiant in the face of facts, doesn't mean the rest of the world has to be. I'm sure the Danish are happy with 20% of their electricity being provided by wind.
Balls @ Oct 7th 2008 1:53PM
We're not talking about devices that are harmful here.
--------
Do you know what goes into a battery and the effect that has on the environment when disposed improperly?
I don't care if they bring this directive in or not but I didn't realise there was a problem with non-removable batteries. With the exception of Apple's products, every other battery powered device out there has a removable battery.
Every other battery powered device? That's not even close to being true. Take the Zune, for instance. I'm pretty sure that's even harder to replace, since on some models the wires are soldered to the logic board, instead of having a clip or plug.
My zune begs to differ my dear sir
Also the Zune isnt for sale over here in the EU.
nice. it pissed me off how you buy a $100 Sonicare toothbrush only to find that you have to toss it out after 2yrs of use because the battery isn't serviceable.
You kind of deserve it if you actually think a sonicare toothbrush is substantially better then a 1.99 generic toothbrush.
yeah. im the idiot for being suckered into the sonic toothbrush craze. i admit it. never again.
Funny that legislation would really need to be enacted to make sure that users could replace a battery in a device. Seems like a no brainer unless you're an organization that loves forced obsolescence. I'm sure women of the world are very happy that Apple makes the most popular PMPs in the world and not vibrators.....
This is great, however it is only a directive and it isn't the law. This does mean that Apple doesn't necessarily have to abide, as in there are no penalties for not conforming to the directive's specifications. That's not to say it's not a bad move, I certainly welcome it.
No, in Europe, a directive is a demand by the European Union which will later codify into national law, e.g. the Units of Measure Directive into the Weights & Measures Act 1995 (and 2000).
How about some proper battery/charger standard for mobile devices while we're at it? I can't believe we still have a battery from each manufacturer and a charger that is useless for any other device even though the battery might be similar. It's ridiculous. Making the battery replaceable by law is a no-brainer why would you NOT want to replace the battery?.
C'mon let us all give these guys a round of applause.
applesauce for everyone!
It's a great idea, it's convenient for those of us who have actually clamored for this, but I can tell you know, it's not really going to do that much. Heck, I got a used DS phat just a couple months back that was being sold as "broken" because it wouldn't turn on. I figured; "what the hey, let me pop in the battery from another DS I have lying around and see what happens." I popped in the battery and it worked fine.
The DS only needs one screw to replace the battery, but they still were pretty much junking it.
Then again, maybe putting this directive out will help raise consumer awareness to replacing batteries. It's certainly going to be better than the government's usual thing of requiring some inane safety warning for the mentally deficient like "do not place bag over head" and "iphone not intended for internal use"
I tried that with my nieces DS nd didn't work.. but yeah it was an easy test, as long as you have another DS
I see your avatar and I call you gay.
uhh my sonicare came with instructions for battery replacement.....
you sure it wasnt instructions for battery disposal?
http://www.sonicare.com/owners/elite_manual/manual_recycling.asp
"The battery inside your Sonicare cannot be replaced, but is easily removed for recycling."
This is fantastic news, I just hope that this goes through and they don't cave to preasure from apple etc. It should be possible for anyone to change a battery without any technical knowledge.
This is such a stupid law if it is correct. The article states "in all electronic devices". Does that mean TVs, DVD Players, etc etc. Almost all devises that run on electricty nowadays have some sort of battery in it. I so want to have a TV that is easy to disasembly to get out the battery :)
It's probably restricted to devices which rely on battery power for their main operation - mobile devices, watches, torches...etc
Even if the law doesn't explicitly state that, it's the most probable interpretation as any Judge would see it. Remember, the law doesn't go by technicalities, despite what Hollywood would have you believe. Judges can overrule pretty much anything (that's why they're there - to make sure people aren't stupid on technicalities. Doesn't help if you have a stupid Judge, though).
This news aside, how many times do we really need to replace batteries? The lifecycle of most gadgets these days is ~ 2 years. Laptops get obsolete, networks make 2.5g phones obsolete, mp3 players develop bunch of other problems before the battery gives up. I don't know about sonic toothbrushes, but you get the idea...
I still happily use a black and white 4G iPod in my daily life, it spits out music through the headphone jack every bit as competently as a brand new iPod Touch. I did have to replace the battery, though, and let me tell you Apple definitely went out of their way to make that as difficult as possible for me.
Certainly people won't want to use point-designed devices for a single task for longer than two years ... that's ... THAT'S ANTICAPITALIST!
The ONLY reason I upgraded from my (battery removable) Zen Xtra was because I thought I would play video more than I have - now in the hands of its second owner, it is still working beautifully after 5 years, despite the abuse doled to it in the arenas of school trips. I imagine there are many such devices for many people with the same endstate - if it ain't broke, why fix it?
Music players just happen to be a particularly applicable example, as the basic functionality of such a device hasn't changed much (unless you want video) in years - it's gotten bigger and RockBox has been ported around, but that's about it.
Thats new law in china, where most electronics are made. Manufacturers are required to use MicroUSB, like the new Palm Treo Pro.
"this wouldn't be the first time that Apple has tangled with the EU"
Maybe you should rephrase that as "...the EU has tangled with Apple." I think nowadays Apple is the Goliath in that relationship.
your senseless comment shows you have no idea how the real world actually works.
corporation (albeit a large one) vs. a coalition of countries that have successfully standardized the currency, changed environmental regulations, etc, the list goes on and on. We're talking about not one country's government, but rather a coalition of almost every major country in Europe.
Last time I checked, Apple didn't make any damn laws while I was there.
And even as a company Apple isn't exactly huge. I mean even Nokia is in a different league when it comes to size and pretty much of all that comes only from phones.
I'm sorry if I offended anyone.
That was an attempt at satire; clearly it was too subtle.
I have been to Europe too, and I am well aware of the significance of the EU.
Portable devices like the iPhoner/iPod/Zune should have end user replaceable batteries. Aren't these thing supposed to be about convenience in the first place? It's absurd that you can't replace the batteries youself.
It's about time. It's so annoying to have to go into the hospital to replace the battery on my pacemaker.
I think you need to specify which iPod you're talking about. I've replaced the battery in my 4G iPod myself. Plenty of vendors sell replacement kits that allow even the most mechanically challenged end user to do this. Now if you want limit this to the iPod shuffle and the iPod Touch you'd have no complaints...
who? @ Oct 7th 2008 5:53PM
Apple offers a battery replacement for $49 (iPod shuffle), $59 (iPod nano and classic), $79 (iPod touch) plus $6.95 shipping- http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
-------
Like Vidikron said, it's pretty much laughable that you can't replace and/or swap out the batteries yourself. To have to ship back your device, pay shipping to the corporation that designed your device for disposal, then get swindled on the cost of replacement battery, and to top it all off, be without your device for a few days is truly *high-tech* laughable. Yes we *can* replace them ourselves with surgery and the proper tools, but seriously, how many Joes are going to do that. And that still means bringing a spare battery with you for long trips outwards is impractical without an external battery appendage sticking out of your device.
I don't mean just Apple. All these manufacturers designing products without easy battery replacement. Almost every non-phone audio device. Video cameras, nearly all phones, digital cameras... they all come with that flexibility. It's shameful that most audio devices do not.
I'd rather have a universal charger for all my electronic devices such as a standard mini usb cable. Is that too much to ask?
It is, actually. 'Cause USB charging has limited current, so 'universal' won't be so universal for many devices.
USB can supply 1 amp, which is enough to charge probably 90% of the portable devices out there- most devices can charge by USB, they just have a proprietary end. Say what you want about HTC and their proprietary (but ubiquitous) headphone jack but you can still charge it off a standard micro-usb connector. Excellent engineering. I have a Sprint/Sanyo Indedestructo military-grade recession-proof PTT phone that has a connector the same size and shape as micro-usb, but it's a proprietary connector. Epic Fail.
Some USB chargers supply more than the 1amp standard to speed charging- works fine on other phones. It would be nice to have an all-inclusive charging standard, but I'll settle on USB until that day comes. And while you're at it, add Audio, Video, and Data to the same connector while you are at it. HDMI or Display Port on Steroids.
It won't work for US
we privatize the profit and socialize the loss.
Just ship it to Apple no biggie
Some people may not be want to be without their phones, especially if they use them for business. I've seen people that use their phones so much they carry multiple batteries so they can swap them instantly. It's beyond stupid to have a phone without an end user replaceable battery.
And I would fully expect THAT company to tell the EU where to stick it!
I mean that's EXACTLY what they did with the reduced price of tracks on iTunes they were supposedly forced to do.
I pity thy EU residents.
The EU supports and protects the rights of consumers. Apple is not more equal than others...
when I replace a battery I just put the old one in the bin.
All batteries in all electronically devices? This is great in the future I will be able to replace my own pacemaker battery.
@who?
"You can't assume that everyone in the EU would pay the extra money to recycle hazardous material properly,"
There's no extra cost to recycle batteries. Or are you talking about the cost added to the original price? That's what the legislation is for, to not leave the choice up to the customer or the seller, the added cost is worked within the prices for everybody.
" and your stereotypical behavior is not appreciated."
Eh?! The US economy is _based_ on consumerism and capitalism. Other Western countries have more socialism built into their economy and government. No stereotyping. That's just the way the it is.
If you think that "the way it is" is that everyone in the EU is more environmentally conscious that everyone in the U.S., that is NOT a fact and it IS stereotypical. Thicker than mud, my God...
Where in that sentence, or in fact where in any of my comments does it say "everyone in the EU is more environmentally conscious that everyone in the U.S."? Either you have sub-par reading comprehension or you're consciously putting words in my mouth. Either way, no use arguing with you any further. LOL.
@AlexNC
"I don't' think you understand the typical consumer. If it costs $100 to replace a battery on a 3 year old $150 device"
I don't think you understand... anything.
Apple offers a battery replacement for $49 (iPod shuffle), $59 (iPod nano and classic), $79 (iPod touch) plus $6.95 shipping- http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
You really think paying $67 or $77 to replace the battery is that much better?
What I would like to see (and some companies are doing it) is the ability to order your new battery, (and other parts) from whatever company (original-OEM) and have them include a pre-paid bag that will put the old one in and have it shipped for free to certain plants.
There has to be some sort of discount on the cost of the shipmente, and the bag should have an bar code with what it contains so that everyone wins in some way.
You guys don't know the EU. These are the same people that at one point "regulated" the curvature of a cucumber. I am not kidding.
Don't assume that there is wisdom behind this decision, or that it has anything to do with the environment. Throwing away old batteries is surely much worse than sending in a device for battery replacement where the company doing the replacing is legally required to ensure that the old battery is disposed of properly.
What about cmos batteries?
Go EU! Stickin' it to the man (Jobs).
Don't be deceived, those plastic iPod openers are a pain.