The European Union is preparing to introduce new battery rules from February 18, 2027, aimed at making batteries easier to replace, extending the lifespan of electronic devices and reducing waste. However, contrary to some claims circulating online, the rules do not necessarily mean a return to smartphones with easily removable batteries.
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The changes cover laptops, earbuds, gaming devices and electric bicycles, alongside new requirements for electric vehicle batteries and industrial batteries.
Replacing batteries without complex tools
Under Article 11 of the EU Batteries Regulation, users must be able to remove and replace portable batteries using commercially available tools, without requiring heat, solvents or proprietary tools.
Manufacturers must also make replacement batteries available for at least five years after the last unit of a device model is placed on the market, at reasonable prices.
For electric bicycles and electric scooters, it is sufficient for an independent repair professional to be able to replace the batteries; users are not required to perform the replacement themselves.
Why will most smartphones not be affected?
Smartphones and tablets are subject to separate ecodesign rules that began applying in June 2025. These allow manufacturers to retain batteries that cannot be directly removed by users, provided they meet specific conditions.
These include the battery retaining at least 83% of its original capacity after 500 charging cycles and 80% after 1,000 cycles. The device must also achieve at least an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
In such cases, battery replacement can be restricted to specialist technicians.
A review of the European product database suggests that most flagship smartphones from Apple and Samsung are likely to meet the battery durability standards, although the European Commission has not confirmed compliance for specific models.
The rules require manufacturers to make essential spare parts, including batteries, available for seven years after a smartphone model is withdrawn from the EU market.
Exceptions for wearable devices
On July 14, 2026, the European Commission adopted legislation expanding the range of devices for which battery replacement may be restricted to specialists, particularly where user safety is concerned.
The exceptions cover certain smartwatches, wireless earbuds and devices used in wet environments, as well as food-temperature probes, some medical equipment and rechargeable electronic toys, until July 31, 2030.
However, the legislation has not yet entered into force, as it still needs to complete the regulatory procedures and be officially published.
Digital battery passports for larger batteries
In addition to making batteries easier to replace, the EU will require digital battery passports from February 18, 2027, for electric vehicle batteries, electric bicycle batteries and industrial batteries with a capacity exceeding 2 kilowatt-hours.
The passport will provide access, through a QR code, to information about the battery’s components, condition and history.
However, companies face challenges in preparing for these requirements. A survey of 91 participants found that only 15% expressed strong confidence in their readiness to provide the required data.
Meanwhile, 63% identified data availability andquality as the biggest challenge, while 59% said unclear responsibilities across supply chains posed a major obstacle.
Carbon footprint data and recycled material content will not become mandatory in February 2027. Meanwhile, battery-related due diligence obligations have been postponed until August 18 of the same year.
Dispute between technology companies and right-to-repair advocates
The EU rules have sparked debate between organizations advocating consumers’ right to repair their devices and technology companies.
Right to Repair Europe argues that exempting smartphones on the basis of battery durability and water resistance forces consumers into an unfair choice between a long-lasting device and one that is easy to repair.
The organization has also called for a cap on replacement battery prices set well below 30% of the price of a new device.
In contrast, CCIA Europe, which represents the technology industry, has warned that requiring companies to design devices with batteries that can be accessed and removed could affect their water resistance, durability and safety.
The group has called for wearable devices to be exempted or for the rules’ application to them to be postponed until February 2030.
What will change for consumers?
The changes are expected to have a limited impact on smartphone users, as manufacturers that meet the durability and water-resistance requirements are likely to retain their current designs.
However, some laptops, gaming devices and earbuds may undergo battery design changes, such as using screws or pull tabs instead of strong adhesives, making batteries easier to replace.
Manufacturers will need to prepare for the new requirements, even as discussions continue over certain exemptions and implementation details.
The EU rules therefore do not mean that removable batteries will return to all smartphones. Instead, they represent a shift in how devices are designed and repaired, with a focus on extending product lifespans and reducing electronic waste.
Source: Al-Ghad.
