So iPhones have never had user-replaceable batteries, yet Apple is making these “changes” (what changes?) to create planned obsolescence? Surely, they planned this from the first iPhone.

Apple created a market, from scratch, where users can’t replace the battery. The smart phone market did not exist and Apple created it, and never had replaceable batteries, and now you think they’re somehow taking advantage of people.

Why did people even buy the first iPhones given that you could not replace the battery in them?

I’m unclear about what your argument is.