Exactly, this isn't something new. It was removed for no reason other than aesthetics and possibly to force users to buy a new device every few years.

May I remind you that the fist few iPhones were not water proof, yet the battery was not removable.

Laptops are not waterproof but those batteries are also no longer removable.

There are even fully water resistant (and IP rated phones) currently made with replaceable batteries. Best of all worlds