Proposed EU Battery Law Might Cause Trouble for Apple

LONDON — The European Union is considering new legislation that would make business difficult for electronic devices that don't have removable batteries.

The proposed law would require that all electronic devices be powered by batteries that are easily removable for easy replacement and storage.

Both directives would cause plenty of headaches for Apple, none of whose iPhone, iPod and MacBook Air products have easily removed batteries.

"The requirement is clearly there to encourage equipment designers to produce devices where the battery can be removed by opening the cover by hand or after the removal of literally just one or two screws," said electronics expert Gary Nevison in an interview with ZDNet.co.uk.

But would the tech giant obey these new laws? Apple already offers free recycling services for iPods and iPhones, but Nevison said that these new law might mean the end for iPods and iPhones in Europe – at least in their current state.

On the other hand, CNET's Tom Krazit noted that Apple might be able to work around the law.

It's not clear that the directive – which is very vaguely worded at present – would force drastic changes in the design of the iPhone," he said, later adding, "The idea behind the directive is to prevent batteries from ending up in landfills, and if Apple is able to show the E.U. that its battery replacement program prevents that result, that might meet the requirements of the directive."

The new law would, if approved, require that at least 25 percent of all portable batteries be recycled by 2012. That number would rise to 45 percent by 2016.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ondato, CCBill Announce Strategic Partnership for Global High-Risk Market

Age and identity verification firm Ondato and payment processor CCBill have formed a strategic partnership to serve the global high-risk market.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Show More