《生活與科技 II 017》為什麼現在手機不能換電池：設計進化與商業策略的交錯 Why Modern Smartphones Have Non-Removable Batteries: Design Evolution and Strategy

現代智能手機多採用不可更換電池設計，從iPhone到Android裝置，這種改變背後涉及設計、性能與商業考量。
English: Most modern smartphones, from the iPhone to devices running Android, use non-removable batteries due to design, performance, and strategic reasons.

中文
曾經，手機可以輕鬆打開背蓋更換電池是標準設計，用戶只需攜帶備用電池便能延長使用時間，這在功能機時代十分常見。然而，隨著智能手機的出現，尤其是以iPhone為代表的全觸控裝置普及，手機設計逐漸走向一體化，電池也被封裝在機身內部。這種改變首先來自工業設計的需求，一體式結構能讓手機更薄、更堅固，同時提升整體質感，減少可拆卸部件帶來的鬆動與損耗問題。其次，防水防塵能力的提升亦是關鍵因素，若電池可拆卸，機身結構難以完全密封，影響耐用性與產品壽命。性能方面，不可更換電池讓廠商能更自由地配置內部空間，優化電池容量、散熱系統與元件排列，從而提升續航與效能表現。此外，隨著快充技術與行動電源普及，隨時更換電池的需求已被其他解決方案取代，用戶不再依賴備用電池，而是透過充電補充電力。另一方面，這種設計也涉及商業策略，一體化結構提高了維修難度，使電池更換需要專業服務，間接延長產品更新周期與品牌控制力。這引發了「維修權」的討論，消費者希望能更容易更換電池以延長設備壽命，而廠商則強調安全與品質控制的重要性。不可更換電池同時也與安全考量相關，現代鋰電池需要精密保護與固定結構，以避免損壞與過熱風險。從更廣的角度來看，這種設計轉變反映了科技產品從模組化走向整合化的趨勢，手機不再是一個可以隨意拆卸的工具，而是一個高度精密的整體系統。雖然這帶來更好的性能與設計，但也改變了用戶與設備之間的關係，從自主維護轉向依賴專業服務。這一變化既是技術進步的結果，也是產業策略與使用習慣共同作用的體現。

English Version
There was a time when replacing a phone battery was simple—users could remove the back cover and swap in a spare battery to extend usage instantly. This was standard practice in the feature phone era. However, with the rise of smartphones, particularly devices like the iPhone, design priorities shifted toward integrated, sealed constructions, making removable batteries largely obsolete. One of the primary reasons is industrial design. A unibody structure allows manufacturers to create thinner, more durable devices with improved structural integrity and a premium feel. Eliminating removable components reduces mechanical wear and enhances long-term reliability. Another major factor is water and dust resistance. Sealed designs make it easier to achieve higher protection standards, which would be difficult to maintain with removable battery compartments. From a performance perspective, fixed batteries give engineers greater flexibility in arranging internal components, optimizing battery size, thermal management, and overall efficiency. Meanwhile, advancements in fast charging and the widespread use of power banks have reduced the need for carrying spare batteries, offering alternative ways to maintain power throughout the day. Beyond technical reasons, there are also strategic considerations. Integrated designs make repairs more complex, often requiring professional servicing, which can influence product lifecycle and reinforce brand-controlled ecosystems. This has sparked ongoing discussions about the “right to repair,” as consumers seek easier ways to extend device longevity while manufacturers emphasize safety, reliability, and quality assurance. Safety itself is another key factor, as modern lithium batteries require precise enclosure and protection to minimize risks such as overheating or damage. On a broader level, the shift away from removable batteries reflects a larger trend in technology—from modular systems toward tightly integrated designs. Smartphones are no longer simple tools that users can easily modify, but highly sophisticated systems where hardware and software are deeply interconnected. While this evolution delivers better performance, durability, and user experience, it also changes the relationship between users and their devices, moving from hands-on maintenance to reliance on specialized services.