The European Union has officially taken a big step towards more sustainable smartphones. From February 2027, all new smartphones and tablets sold in the EU must have batteries that can be easily replaced by the user. This new law forces manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung to adjust their designs. The rules are part of a broader effort against e-waste and for the circular economy, where batteries can no longer be glued or welded.
What exactly does this mean for your next iPhone or Galaxy? You will no longer need specialized tools to replace the battery, and there will be a digital passport for the battery that provides transparency about its condition and composition. However, there are exceptions in the law that may work in Apple’s favor.
What will change for smartphones in 2027
From February 18, 2027, all new smartphones and tablets in the EU must meet the requirement that their batteries be ‘removable and replaceable’ by the end user. The new regulation (EU) 2023/1542 applies to every make and model, from budget options to premium devices.
- No more glue, welding or special tools; standard screws or clips are sufficient.
- The device remains functional with a new battery, without the risk of damage.
- Batteries receive a QR code or digital label with information about capacity, lifespan and recycling.
Convenience for the consumer with an eye to sustainability
The core of this adjustment lies in Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 on batteries and accumulators, which entered into force in August 2023 and is now being rolled out in phases. This law explicitly states that batteries in consumer electronics must be ‘removable’, that is, removable without damaging the product, and ‘replaceable’ by the user with everyday tools.
In addition, the regulation introduces broader sustainability measures, such as minimum recycling rates, such as at least 63% reuse of lithium by 2031, and mandatory battery passports for full traceability of materials. All this builds on previous EU initiatives such as the USB-C Directive and DMA, with the aim of driving a circular economy where devices last longer and waste is drastically reduced.
Exceptions in the law
According to research by 9to5Google contains EU regulations (2023/1542) exceptions that include almost all modern iPhones and Android phones. The first shortcoming in the law is the definition of ‘removable‘. The EU states that a battery is removable if it can be removed without the use of special tools or heat. However, this only applies to devices with a IP rating of IPX5 or lower. For more expensive devices such as the iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25, little may change in this case. These phones are waterproof with an IP68 rating or higher.
In addition, the law states that batteries do not necessarily have to be easily removable, as long as they function ‘sufficiently well’. In practice this means that a battery that Retains 80% of its capacity after 1,000 charging cyclesis considered sufficiently good and that mandatory simple exchange is not required. The only additional requirement is that the device at least an IP67 rating has. Since almost all high-end smartphones and even many budget models reach these specifications, manufacturers have the freedom to continue in the same way.
Consequences for Apple
These exceptions in the law may allow Apple to continue offering smartphones and tablets as it currently does. However, the EU may eventually require that batteries in iPhones and iPads be easier to replace yourself, without special tools or heat. If this is the case, the company will have to make fundamental design changes, such as a screw-on back instead of a glued housing, which may lead to thicker devices.
Apple has already adjusted its repair policy
Apple has significantly revised its repair policies in recent years, mainly in response to regulations and criticism over the repairability of its products. Previously, batteries and components were often glued, and Apple advised users to go to official service centers for repairs.
However, since 2021, the company has launched the Self Service Repair program worldwide. This allows users to order parts and repair kits, such as screens and batteries, and download detailed manuals themselves. Apple has also adapted its products to make it easier for consumers to repair their devices themselves.