> free with applecare

So about $200 depending on what model you have then? I pay for AppleCare+ for my iPhone 11 (mostly because I like not using a case) and it's not free.

Don't you pay a subscription for applecare? So not exacty free

Quartz wristwatches have replaceable batteries since their invention and waterproofing the is not really an issue.

> free with applecare

That's true in your case, but if someone buys a used model then they might prefer to do it at home especially because of budget issues.

Regarding "better water resistance", there have been a ton of phones released in the past that have had water resistance standards of at least IP 67 and that had a user replaceable battery. That part of your argument doesn't hold water.

I see what you did there!

>better water resistance/proofing/reduced engineering cost

This is a myth. Look at the Samsung Galaxy S5 (IP67) & Sony XP10 (IP68). (Yeah, I'm a big Louis Rossmann fan; I learned this from his videos.)

Even if it were true, are you telling me Apple couldn't engineer a solution to the problem and turn it into a key marketing element boasting their innovation?

My iPhone's battery health has been stuck at 83% for nearly 15 months. It was only 9 months old (purchased brand new) when it reached 83%. Apple will not replace with Applecare unless it is below 80%. Something doesn't add up there.

Let me guess...fast charging?

Don't do it. Ruins batteries.

Waterproofing in terms of actually being able to use the phone under water or not breaking when it falls into water (i.e. it will switch itself off when submerged and after it dried it will work again)?

I had an Android phone from Motorola (that cost $10) that could be fully submerged. The seal mechanism was bulky and the phone was hot garbage.

For me, battery life for days in airplane mode is good enough if it means never worrying about liquid

And paid how much for Applecare over the 3-4 years?

There is a technology called “rubber o-rings” that has allowed for waterproof/resistant user replaceable battery designs in cell phones since they came out.