Cobalt is often used in lithium-ion batteries because of its high energy density and ability to enhance battery performance, but there are several problems with using cobalt in batteries.
It is a rare metal, which also makes it expensive, and the extraction of the metal can also be problematic due to social and environmental issues. Because of this, Apple, and many other companies, have been working to reduce the use of the metal – and today Apple announces that it will use 100% recycled cobalt in all Apple-designed batteries by 2025. The company also announces that its circuit boards will use 100% recycled tin soldering and 100% recycled gold plating.
In 2022, Apple expanded its use of recycled metals and now sources over two-thirds of all aluminum, almost three-quarters of all rare earth metals, and more than 95% of all tungsten in Apple products from 100% recycled material.
