This article is clickbait. There are exceptions for devices that are “waterproof” or have batteries that last a certain number of cycles.
This isn’t going to change a thing (especially it EU judges allow IP68 to be considered “waterproof.”)
IP68 is defined as:
suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which the manufacturer shall specify
The Apple “conditions” include this choice quote:
resistant to accidental spills from common liquids
And this one:
Splash, water and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty
I think it would be hard for Apple to argue handling “accidental spills” meets the EU requirement for the device to be “regularly subject to splashing water”. Especially when “normal wear” can decrease the water resistance and it’s not covered under warranty.
If, on the other hand, Apple actually makes a phone I can use to record my kids swimming underwater… heck yeah that sounds awesome. I’d totally sacrifice a user replaceable battery. Bring it on.
