EU directive to force Apple to redesign iPod?

A new European directive currently under discussion could force consumer electronics manufacturers to fit removable batteries.

The motivation is to reduce the number of toxic batteries trapped inside products harming the environment when they are thrown away.

Although it has not yet been included in the proposal, a logical next step would be to oblige manufacturers to participate in take back schemes to collect used batteries.

Redesigned iPods?

If enforced, the draft directive would be relatively easy for mobile phone manufacturers to implement as their products nearly always have removable batteries.

The batteries inside Apple's iPod, on the other hand, are locked away inside and it's impossible for end users to take them out. 

It's possible, therefore, that the American manufacturer may find itself forced to redesign iPods and iPhones to meet the new directive, rather than having its customers return their products to after sales service to have their batteries repaired.