A few days ago, we reported that Apple will seek to make iPhone batteries easier to replace to comply with EU regulations. Apple will replace the adhesive pull tabs that hold the battery in place with a metal cradle that opens upon being hit with an electric jolt – something called electrically induced adhesive debonding.
Now, analyst and insider Ming-Chi Kuo has shared that Apple will use a stainless steel battery case to facilitate battery removal. The added benefit to this is a reported 5-10% increase in battery cell density, while still meeting safety requirements. This will result in better battery life.
Kuo points to Sunway as the supplier of the stainless steel battery case and as such a major beneficiary, thanks to the new Apple business.
Kuo speculates that the iPhone 16 Pro Max will be the first iPhone to benefit from the new battery casing.
The EU mandates that smartphone batteries be user-replaceable by 2025, meaning all phones are eventually going to embrace a new, easier way to battery replacement.
