March 27th Update: Apple has recently secured a patent for a charging system that allows for modular, removable battery designs, aimed at enhancing device flexibility to adapt to various usage scenarios.
According to the patent description, these modular removable battery packs come in different specifications like A, B, C, D, etc., with the battery core being conventional rechargeable cells and an outer layer featuring dedicated interfaces using standardized connections.
All signs indicate that Apple is exploring a new way of battery replacement, not limited to iPhones alone but also encompassing devices like iMac, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and more.
It's worth noting that Apple has emphasized in its patent the wireless communication system between the battery and the charging station or host, enabling real-time monitoring and display of battery levels, as well as wireless charging capabilities.
Previously, the EU passed a new regulation requiring smartphone batteries to be user-removable and replaceable, which might be an external factor prompting Apple to consider a removable battery design.
However, some argue that removable batteries could impact the device's dust and water resistance, which contradicts the current design philosophy of smartphones, especially high-end models, and could also affect official after-sales services.
