Official: AirPods will have a replaceable battery in 2027

Big changes are coming to the AirPods, because Apple must provide the earphones with a replaceable battery in 2027. This is why.

New European legislation for batteries

This year, Apple will release the AirPods 4, which may be one of the last generations of earphones without a removable battery. The European Commission has passed a new law requiring electronic devices to have a replaceable battery. The user of the device must then be able to remove and replace the battery himself. This also applies to the new AirPods.

Also read: AirPods Pro get new feature in iOS 18 (and it is very useful)

With the new law, the European Union is trying to extend the lifespan of electronic devices. It is often the case that a completely new device is purchased as soon as the battery needs to be replaced. That is not surprising, because installing a new battery is usually very expensive. This will change in 2027, when the new law will come into effect that year. Then Apple must provide the AirPods with a replaceable battery.

Replacing the battery of the AirPods: that’s how expensive it is

If your AirPods run out (too) quickly, it is now possible to replace the battery. You cannot do that yourself, you have to contact Apple itself. The company has a special repair program for the AirPods. You pay 59 euros to replace the battery in the earphones, Apple charges the same price for a new battery in the charging case. Do you have AirPods Max? Then you will spend 89 euros for a new battery.

Apple does offer a warranty for the service costs you pay when replacing the battery, but this does not include wear and tear due to normal use. After a number of years, you still have to pay at least 59 euros to have a new battery installed in the AirPods. This will change with the new legislation, because then you can do it yourself. This means you are no longer dependent on Apple’s repair program.

Law does not apply to all devices

According to the new legislation, Apple must provide the AirPods with a replaceable battery in 2027. However, there is a way to get out of the law, because waterproof devices are not covered by the new rules. Apple can therefore choose to make the AirPods waterproof, because in that case the removable battery is not mandatory. Although it seems unlikely that Apple will make this choice for all AirPods models.

Also read: Finally: this AirPods Pro feature comes to the AirPods 4

From 2027 it will therefore be much cheaper to install a new battery in your AirPods. These are often batteries that you can buy in stores for a few euros, so you no longer have to spend 59 euros. This way your ears will last much longer. Are you already looking for new AirPods before then? Then view the best price of the AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro 2 here, so that you never pay too much!