There is currently no Apple gear that has a user-removable battery.

“Swappable batteries have the potential to improve the lifespan of electronic gadgets.

Power Move

It might seem counterintuitive, but the major downside of non-swappable batteries is not convenience.

A service technician removing a swappable laptop battery.

Removing swappable laptop battery.Tomasz Majchrowicz / Getty Images

In fact, in some ways, a removable battery like we used to have in laptops waslessconvenient.

Swappable batteries have the potential to improve the lifespan of electronic gadgets.

It’s also easier to recharge a USB-C battery packyou just plug it in.

A patent diagram showing modular batteries in an iMac, a keyboard, a mouse, and a phone

Patent diagram for Apple Modular Batteries.Apple

No, the major downside of the non-removable battery is the lack of repairability.

But it does offer an interesting alternative.

Apple

The idea is to standardize batteries, just like we have already standardized USB-C as a charging method.

Someone working on a laptop, placing a phone on a wireless charger.

Wireless, Chi charging.PrathanChorruangsak / Getty images

Don’t wealready have that?

So what would be the advantage here for the user?

Well, that depends.

“I’ve found wired charging more reliable and efficient than wireless Qi-style charging.

Qi-style charging may be convenient, but wired charging ensures faster, more stable power transference.

“I highly doubt Apple will adopt user-swappable batteries in this day and age.

Integrated, non-removable batteries tend to fit better within the design aesthetics of Apple devices,” says Nicholson.