Why did phones stop having removable batteries? I still think we lost something useful

One thing that still bothers me about modern phones is the disappearance of removable batteries. It feels like we quietly accepted a change that made devices look cleaner but less practical for everyday users. For a lot of people, the battery is the first thing that starts failing. The phone itself may still work perfectly, but after a few years the battery life drops enough to make the device frustrating to use. Years ago, replacing a battery was simple. You popped the back cover off, swapped in a new one, and kept using the same phone. Now, replacing a battery often means scheduling a repair, heating adhesive, or paying for service that many people avoid because it feels inconvenient or expensive. From a tech industry perspective, non-removable batteries do have advantages. They allow manufacturers to build thinner devices, improve water resistance, and create stronger internal designs. Phones today are sealed tightly, which helps with durability and premium design. That part makes sense. But there’s also a tradeoff that doesn’t get discussed enough. Phones have become so powerful that yearly upgrades often feel minor. For many users, the battery becomes the real reason to replace the phone—not because the processor is outdated, but because the device no longer lasts through the day. For autistic users especially, keeping the same familiar device can matter more than chasing upgrades. Switching phones means relearning layouts, adapting to new gestures, transferring settings, and adjusting to small interface changes that can feel disruptive rather than exciting. A removable battery gave people more control over the lifespan of a device. It allowed a phone to stay predictable, familiar, and functional for longer. That kind of consistency matters more than people realize. I understand why sealed batteries became the industry standard, but part of me still thinks we lost a genuinely user-friendly feature in the process. A modern phone with strong performance, water resistance, and a removable battery would honestly feel like the best of both worlds.