Note that per the article, it is ok for replacing the battery to require simple tools (e.g. a small screwdriver). So that makes weather sealing even easier, since you can put a gasket around the battery door and tighten the door down with a screw. That is how my old AA-powered Garmin GPS works, more or less, though you don't need tools to undo the screw.
that _would_ be too thick for most people I think (think of average pocket sizes), but a little bit of extra thickness would probably be accepted judging by the thickness of some phone cases
I also had some old FRS radios
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Radio_Service
that I took out of mothballs. These had proprietary battery packs that can be replaced with AA's or AAA's, I found the old battery packs had gone bad but breathed new life in them with NiMH batteries.
I do not read anything about replacing batteries there.
However, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220202IP... is clear, saying “By 2024, portable batteries in appliances, such as smartphones, and batteries for LMT must be designed for easy and safe removal and replacement by consumers or independent operators”
From skimming https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_instituti..., it seems it says the same.
Now, the question is how to interpret that “or” in that latest sentence. I think it leaves open the option to have devices that consumers cannot service on their own, but require help from an independent operator.
I do like the idea of user-replaceable batteries, but I don't miss the build quality and size of those devices with easily accessible batteries.
I'd rather have replaceable parts than a waterproof phone.
Wasn't it waterproof it already would've wasted 3 batteries + 3 devices.
I want an iPhone because it's a more sleek device and it's waterproof.
Why would you want to take options away from me?