Apple is expected to hold its next event in September to unveil the iPhone 16. Amid widespread anticipation for the new smartphones, which have already garnered numerous rumors, financial analysts are also looking ahead, discussing potential innovation projects for the year ahead.
This weekend, Taiwanese analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that Apple may adopt a new battery structure featuring a stainless steel case in upcoming years. Kuo believes this change could boost energy density by 5 to 10%, potentially enhancing iPhone battery life significantly across single charges and cycles.
Respecting, again and again, European standards
But more significantly, this upcoming change in iPhones could enable Apple to comply with future European standards. Starting from early 2027, all smartphone manufacturers will be required to offer devices with easily replaceable batteries. Apple must address this requirement to avoid scrutiny from the European Commission, which is already investigating the company.
On the technical front, Kuo suggests that Apple might adopt electromembership. This technique could ensure compliance with European safety and repairability standards. The financial analyst indicates that these changes could be implemented soon, with a potential full-scale rollout expected to begin with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max by the end of the year. The process is then anticipated to extend to all iPhone 17 models next year.
New this autumn
Ming-Chi Kuo’s recent announcement over the weekend hasn’t yet been echoed by other Apple analysts. In his latest weekly publication, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman did not touch upon this topic.
Kuo had previously discussed enhancing energy density in the iPhone 16 Pro, but this is the first mention of introducing a new fastening technology using electroadhesion. The upcoming iPhone announcement in September will be closely watched to see if Apple has made advancements in this regard.
