Apple Considering Use of Electrical Debonding Technique for Battery Replacement

Tech & AI | June 30, 2024, 3:23 a.m.

As a response to the European Union's push for increased repairability of consumer devices, Apple plans to make iPhone batteries user-replaceable by 2027. This shift may involve using electroadhesion technology, allowing for easier battery removal without the need for heat or harsh chemicals. Tesa has already commercialized a similar product, Debonding on Demand, which uses a low-voltage DC current to release bonded surfaces without leaving residue. This innovation could revolutionize smartphone repair, especially considering the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of pull tab adhesive strips. Electroadhesion offers a simpler solution for battery replacement and could have broader applications in fields like robotics and medicine. As consumer electronics continue to evolve, advancements in technology like electroadhesion may become essential for maintaining devices and reducing waste in the tech industry.