The European Parliament has approved a regulation requiring all smartphones sold in the EU to feature user-replaceable batteries starting in February 2027, marking a significant shift in device design policy.
The rule, part of the broader ‘Right to Repair’ initiative, aims to combat battery degradation and reduce electronic waste by enabling consumers to replace batteries without specialized tools or professional assistance.
Manufacturers must ensure batteries can be removed and replaced using only basic tools, which must be included free of charge in the product packaging if specialized tools are required.
The regulation extends beyond smartphones to include tablets, gaming consoles, smart glasses, electric bicycles, and electronic toys, though medical devices and underwater-use products are exempt.
While the rule does not mandate a return to older phone designs with easily removable backs, manufacturers are expected to adopt semi-modular designs that allow battery replacement with simple tools, though not as quickly as popping off a back cover.
Due to global manufacturing standardization, the design changes are likely to influence devices sold outside Europe, potentially affecting markets in Asia and the United States.
An exemption applies to batteries that retain at least 80% of their capacity after 1,000 charge cycles; Apple’s iPhone 15 series, which has met this standard since 2023, may qualify for this exception.
Industry analysts note that while the policy supports sustainability goals, it presents technical challenges, particularly as smartphone designs grow slimmer and more integrated, raising concerns about structural stability in modular configurations.
Companies like Fairmont have acknowledged the difficulty of balancing repairability with modern design trends, though they confirm that user-replaceable batteries were standard in early mobile phones.
Some manufacturers, including HMD Global, have already launched devices with user-replaceable batteries, such as the Nokia G22, and have expressed support for the EU’s approach, noting that enabling self-repair extends device lifespan.
Will this rule apply to phones sold outside Europe?
While the regulation is legally binding only within the EU, global supply chain efficiencies may lead manufacturers to adopt the same designs worldwide, potentially affecting devices sold in Asia and the Americas.
How does the 80% battery capacity exemption work?
Devices whose batteries retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles may be exempt from the user-replaceable requirement, a standard already met by Apple’s iPhone 15 series since its 2023 launch.
What tools will consumers need to replace batteries under this rule?
If specialized tools are necessary, manufacturers must include them free in the box; otherwise, only basic, commonly available tools should be required for battery removal and replacement.
Are there any environmental benefits expected from this regulation?
Yes, by enabling easier battery replacement, the rule aims to extend device lifespans and reduce electronic waste, addressing one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally.
