Google has filed a patent that outlines a new way to mount batteries inside smartphones and other devices, a move that could significantly improve repairability while preserving the slim, sealed designs users expect. The filing, submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office and reported by Android Authority, details a mechanical battery subassembly that reduces reliance on permanent adhesives.
Modern premium phones typically glue their batteries directly to the chassis to maintain thin profiles, structural rigidity, and water resistance. While effective for manufacturing, this approach complicates repairs and increases the risk of battery damage during removal. Service technicians often need heat, solvents, and specialized tools to detach cells that are tightly bonded to internal frames.
Google’s patent proposes a different architecture. Instead of adhesive mounting, the battery sits within a protective metal frame designed to absorb mechanical stress from bending, twisting, or impact. The frame incorporates shear stops, interlocking structures, and guided load paths that hold the battery securely while allowing controlled removal when servicing is required.
The company emphasizes that the battery would not be user swappable in the traditional sense. It would remain locked inside the device and require tools for removal, aligning with sealed industrial design standards rather than removable back panels. However, eliminating glue from the core structure would allow authorized repairs to be performed more safely and efficiently.
Importantly, the patent specifies compatibility with wireless charging and water resistant enclosures, two features that typically conflict with removable battery systems. By isolating structural support from electrical storage, the design aims to maintain device integrity without sacrificing serviceability.
The concept also appears broader than smartphones. The diagrams suggest applicability to foldables, tablets, wearables, and laptops, indicating a modular internal battery platform rather than a single product specific solution.
Industry observers note that regulatory pressure is likely influencing this direction. New European Union rules taking effect in early 2027 will require consumer electronics to allow battery replacement using commonly available tools. Similar design changes are already appearing across the industry, including Apple’s electrically releasable adhesive systems.
While a patent does not guarantee implementation, Google’s filing signals a growing shift toward designing batteries as structured components rather than permanently bonded parts. As repairability becomes both a regulatory requirement and a sustainability priority, internal battery engineering is emerging as a critical battleground for future device design.