Hey Aussie SMEs, get ready for a significant change in the tech world that could affect your operations! The European Union (EU) has passed new legislation requiring future smartphones to come with replaceable batteries. But this isn’t just a European affair—this is going global, and it could very well shake up the way you use tech in your business.
The Legislation
Set to roll out by 2027, the new law aims to promote recycling, make gadgets easier to repair, and cut down on electronic waste. It doesn’t stop at smartphones; tablets and cameras are also on the list. Tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Google are required to comply, meaning they’ll be tweaking the designs of their future devices.
These big players are global businesses, and it’s unlikely they’ll create separate versions just for the EU market. This is great news for us here in Australia because it means that our devices will also become easier to repair, contributing to sustainability and possibly saving your business some cash in the long run.
Expect some design shifts in your favourite gadgets. Devices might become slightly bulkier to accommodate removable batteries. This could be a challenge, especially as the industry has started dabbling in foldable devices, where battery placement is already a complex issue.
Durability Concerns
Today’s smartphones are designed to be water and dust-resistant, largely because they are sealed units. A removable back panel could pose new challenges for maintaining these features. If that panel isn’t replaced correctly, the phone might be susceptible to water damage, something to be mindful of in a busy work environment.
However the Samsung XCover6 Pro is IP68 Rated (1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes) and has a Removable battery, proving that it’s not just possbile, it’s already been done, Leading the way for other manufacturers and also showing the naysayers that you can have the best of both worlds.
Battery Life Trade-offs
Current smartphone batteries are designed for maximum capacity, but this new directive could lead manufacturers to opt for smaller batteries to keep the device slim. This might mean you’ll need to recharge your business devices more frequently however.
But as battery technology keeps improving so will the overall battery life.
The Bigger Picture
The law’s primary objective is to reduce e-waste. This is not only beneficial from an environmental standpoint but also practical for business owners. Instead of replacing devices, you’ll be able to simply replace deteriorating batteries, potentially prolonging the lifespan of your devices.
But how does this help you?
Replaceable batteries in phones have the potential to extend the lifespan of gadgets, resulting in cost savings for business owners. By reducing the frequency of device replacements, substantial savings can be achieved. Additionally, the availability of third-party batteries ensures that businesses are not solely dependent on manufacturers for product support or subject to inflated prices for replacement parts.
What’s Next?
While the immediate focus is on smartphones, tablets, and cameras, there’s a question mark over other devices like laptops and power banks. Could they be next in line for the removable battery requirement? Only time will tell.
This EU legislation has kicked off a global change in the tech industry, and as Australian business owners, it’s crucial to be aware and adapt accordingly. Whether it’s revisiting your procurement strategies or simply being mindful of device care in the workplace, preparation is key.
Stay ahead of the curve, and keep an eye on how these changes could affect your bottom line and sustainability goals.
Biztactix provides support to their customers in procuring and configuring mobile phones and tablets, If you’re struggling managing staff devices, it’s worth having a chat to Biztactix about how they can help
