European Union Says iPod Must Die

Sorry Apple, it’s nothing personal. The European Union is preparing a new directive that requests all electronic devices to have "easily removable" batteries. Sadly, the iPod and iPhone must die.

Of course, that is an over-exaggeration. While the E.U.’s "New Batteries Directive" is not set in stone and could change before finalized, this new development could cause heartache for Steve Jobs and his merry men (and women) over at Apple. Currently both the iPod and iPhone feature removable batteries, however they require a special tool or "professional assistance" for removal, thus making it utterly impossible for the consumer and violates the new E.U. directive.

"Article 11 of the New Directive affects the design of electrical equipment, which must be made in such a way as to allow batteries, either for replacement or at end of life for disposal, to be ’readily removed’ -although this term is not yet defined," said Gary Nevison over at newelectronics. "The requirement is clearly intended to ensure that users can remove batteries by opening a cover by hand or after removal of one or two screws. The producer will also have to provide the user with details on how to remove the battery safely."

This is not the first time Apple has come up against a brick wall with Europe. 2006 saw the implementation of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (wiki), new limitations set in the usage of lead, mercury, cadmium and more. Apple’s standalone iSight camera did not meet the RoHS’ requirement (story), thus the company discontinued sales of the camera in Europe. California in turn outlawed the sale of products banned by Europe’s RoHS, thus Apple later dropped the camera altogether worldwide.

While it seems like a personal attack on Apple, it is any but an assault on the company’s stability in Europe. But because of new regulations set forth overseas, the company has taken a step back in its use of toxic materials. While it’s highly unlikely that Apple will discontinue sales of iPod and iPhone in Europe, the company will need to step back and evaluate their design in order to comply with RoHS regulation. After all, California is a huge player in the American market, and Apple may face another iSight-type outlawing of the iPod and iPhone if something doesn’t change.