In a groundbreaking move aimed at reshaping the smartphone landscape, the European Union is mandating the return of user-replaceable batteries for smartphones and tablets sold across its member states. This sweeping regulation not only seeks to enhance the longevity of electronic devices but also aims to significantly reduce electronic waste, marking a pivotal shift towards sustainability in the tech industry.

Two landmark pieces of legislation underpin this change. Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 took effect last year and applies specifically to smartphones and tablets. A second rule, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, becomes enforceable next year and covers a broader range of portable electronics.

What the Rules Demand

Manufacturers must design devices so batteries can be removed and replaced with commonly available tools. This requirement applies to all new models placed on the EU market. The goal is to make repairs simpler and cheaper for consumers.

The regulations also set benchmarks for battery longevity and recyclability. Producers must ensure batteries retain a certain percentage of their original capacity after a defined number of charge cycles. These measures complement the repairability mandate.

Why This Matters

For consumers, replaceable batteries mean lower repair costs and longer device usability. No longer will a degraded battery force a full phone upgrade. Independent repair shops gain easier access to replacement parts, reducing reliance on manufacturer service centers.

Environmental impact is significant. Extending device lifespans reduces the volume of discarded electronics. The EU estimates that improved repairability could prevent millions of tons of e-waste annually. Less frequent upgrades also cut the carbon footprint tied to manufacturing new devices.

Manufacturers face design challenges. Sealed batteries allowed thinner, water-resistant phones. Achieving the same durability with a removable battery may require engineering trade-offs. Some companies have already demonstrated solutions. Fairphone builds modulable phones with swappable batteries. Samsung and Apple have historically opposed the mandate but may need to adapt.

Industry and Market Implications

The rules apply only to devices sold in the EU. Global manufacturers will likely adopt the designs globally to avoid separate production lines. This could accelerate a return to removable batteries across all major markets.

Repair advocates applaud the move. Right-to-repair groups have long lobbied for such mandates. The EU legislation sets a precedent that other regions, including the United States, may follow. Proposed right-to-repair bills in several U.S. states cite similar repairability goals.

The shift is not immediate. Products already on the market are grandfathered in. New models introduced after the enforcement dates must comply. Consumers should see the first wave of replaceable battery devices arrive by late 2025.