The next Pixel phone might get a removable battery, but leave your nostalgia at the door

Google's patent for a mechanically interlocked, removable battery system represents a strategic shift driven by EU regulatory requirements mandating user-replaceable batteries by February 2027. This design change could significantly reduce device repair costs (currently triple the component price due to labor), extend device lifecycles to match Google's 7-year software support promise, and lower total cost of ownership for enterprise device fleets. The move away from adhesive-sealed batteries signals an industry-wide transition that will impact device procurement, maintenance budgets, and sustainability goals across IT organizations.