Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max will retain its familiar design: how engineers managed to circumvent EU laws

For a long time, Apple and other tech giants resisted pressure from the European Union, which demanded a return to the fashion for removable batteries in order to combat electronic waste. The main argument against was the threat of protection from water and the complexity of the design. However, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max, apparently, will become a symbol of the engineers’ technical victory over European requirements: the design of the device will remain the same and the battery will remain non-removable, although legal regulations will be respected.

What the new smartphone law actually requires

From February 18, 2027, strict rules come into force in Europe: any smartphone must have a battery that the user can replace independently using standard tools. This applies to tablets, game consoles, smart glasses and electric vehicles. The main idea is to extend the life of gadgets and eliminate the use of proprietary glue and fragile latches.

iPhone 17 Pro Max battery performance and durability

Engineers found an elegant solution hidden in the legislation: the requirement for easy replacement does not apply if the battery retains 80% capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles. The official EPREL database confirms that the iPhone 17 Pro Max has received a 1,000 cycle rating, which automatically exempts it from the ban on non-removable batteries. Thus, the flagship design will maintain a monolithic structure without unnecessary screws.

Smartphones that have 1000 or more charge cycles

Innovations and production nuances

For most manufacturers, the transition to endurance batteries has been made possible by new materials, including silicon-carbon components. This allows you to maintain high capacity in a thin package. It’s important to note that budget models like the sub-$500 Nothing Phone 4a Pro show even better results (1,400 cycles), proving the affordability of such technology.

Technology defeats prohibitions

Apple’s strategy turned out to be far-sighted: instead of turning a premium device into a designer, the company focused on creating batteries that last longer than the smartphone itself. For users, this means maintaining a reference design, a high level of water resistance (IP68) and slower degradation of the device over time. If you value durability without sacrificing aesthetics, the new line is a great choice.