Batteries are deplating resources and I agree that they should be replaceable.
The thing is, it should be design priority as many techies would root for. Apple’s approach is perfectly fine in that regard as batteries are replaceable but you need tools.
User-replaceable batteries always have a negative effect on the design of a product. I’d rather see free battery replacements every X years be offered from authorized techs.
There are so many devices that are made without replaceable batteries its becoming a real problem. I want an electric toothbrush that takes 18650 or similar cells, same with a shaver and just about every other small powered tool we need replaceable batteries as the device lasts longer than the cells do and it makes recycling the cells harder.
I am not as opposed to battery power as many people on this thread, but the batteries need to be easily replaced and a standard size. Any device with a non-replaceable internal battery has an expiration date, and if you're bad about remembering to charge it, that date might come soon. A great example is my portable guitar amp, which wouldn't hold a charge. A new battery was $20 and took minutes to replace with no special tools.
Plus, if a device runs on AA or 18650 batteries, I can keep some spare charged ones in a drawer or bag, effectively providing unlimited usage time.
My wired keyboard will last for decades barring physical damage.
I'll be interested to know if it applies to things like AirPods, those would be more challenging to redesign with replaceable batteries (though obviously not impossible).
> Maybe not a great tradeoff for something needed once every 2-3 years.
The case for user-replaceable batteries isn't just to be able to replace them when they wear out. It's also to be able to carry a spare or two for when you want to use the device for an extended period of time. (No, external power banks don't really address this use case).
Are you just saying that all batteries should be replaceable, or also that they should be standardized somehow? Because I agree with the former but not the latter.
I think batteries are easily replaceable in most military equipment.
The irony is that a lot of military equipment is designed to destroy and be destroyed, yet is probably designed with serviceability in mind more than consumer electronics.
I want replaceable batteries in that I want to replace them like 2-3 years after purchase. Which is already possible for a negligible price.
You really shouldn’t want to replace batteries on the fly in general — it makes stealing easier (modern phones can’t be powered off easily without authorization) so you may find it before it loses power, waterproofing suffers, etc.
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