Apple is developing a secret plan that could revolutionize its future iPhone models for all of its 1.46 billion users.
The tech giant is said to be working to make it easier to replace batteries, which currently require tweezers and a specialized machine, by encasing the power source in metal rather than foil – also known as ‘induced adhesive peel’.
The swap would allow people to remove the battery with a small jolt of electricity with a DC power supply that is used to test and charge electronics and is widely available for purchase.
The battery upgrade could be added as early as this year in at least one iPhone 16 model, which launches in September, and will roll out to all iPhone 17 models next year.
Apple is reportedly working on making it easier to replace batteries that currently require tweezers and a specialized machine to remove
The change to replace iPhone batteries could be introduced in the iPhone 16, due out in September
Before the iPhone, replacing the battery was as simple as removing the phone’s back cover with your finger and releasing the battery before inserting a new one, but today’s Apple phones require specialized tools just to open the back of the device.
“I’d like to see Apple innovate towards better repairability,” Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, a gadget repair site, told 9to5Mac.
“Glue is the bane of modern device repair, and any strategies to help reverse adhesives are welcome.”
The new technology would allow people in the home to easily remove the battery, The Information reported.
Smartphone batteries are currently held in place with adhesive strips to make them more waterproof and prevent water from spreading through the device.
It is unclear whether the new method of electrically induced adhesive peeling will provide the same protection.
For standard iPhones, users need to purchase a $50 Apple repair tool kit and use the included tweezers and solvent to slowly and carefully peel off the adhesive tape.
They will then need to use a specialized machine called a battery press to secure the new battery back into place.
The alternative is to take the iPhone to an Apple technician, which will cost about $99 to remove and replace the battery.
The new technology encases the battery in a metal that can be removed by applying a small shock of electricity with a DC power supply that is used to test and charge electronics and is widely available for purchase.
iPhone users currently need to purchase an Apple repair kit to replace the battery for $50 or take the iPhone to an Apple technician, which will cost about $99.
iPhone users have complained about the difficulty of the process, with one person writing on Reddit: “I think we ALL know Apple’s stance on everything they do. Build redundancy and rip off customers.
“Either pay an ‘Apple Approved’ technician to replace the battery at a ridiculously inflated price, or say ‘Sod that’ and go for a new iPhone.”
These complaints have continued for years, as another person wrote on the X in 2019: “Had to replace my iPhone SE battery after 3 years of heavy use. Stupid how it’s stuck!
“It should be a lot easier like it was with the iPhone 4. I wonder how many people will buy a new phone when the battery is dead, even though it’s only [$21] spare part. What a waste of resources!”
The move by Apple comes as EU legislation could require the company to make it easier for users to replace batteries by 2025.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Apple for comment on the update.