Were you frustrated about not being able to remove your phone’s battery? That might soon change. Most smartphones and tablets today come with sealed designs, making batteries difficult to access or replace but from 2027, new European Union rules will require devices to be designed so batteries can be safely removed and replaced without causing damage.
Under the new EU rule, which will take effect on February 18, 2027, there could be a move away from the tightly sealed hardware that has defined device design for over a decade.
The regulation sets out explicit rules for how batteries must be integrated into devices. Fundamentally, batteries are required to be both removable and replaceable. In practice, this means users must be able to take them out safely without harming the device, and install a new battery without compromising performance or safety.
For consumers, battery replacement will need to be simple enough to do with standard tools—or even no tools at all. Companies won’t be allowed to require proprietary equipment unless it’s provided free with the device. In effect, this means users should be able to swap out batteries themselves, without having to visit authorised service centres.
As noted on Reddit, the legislation’s supporting documents state that devices whose batteries retain 80% of their capacity after 1,000 charging cycles are exempt. Apple has met this standard since the launch of the iPhone 15, which is somewhat ironic given how strongly it complained about being required to include user-replaceable batteries.
The rules will extend beyond phones and tablets, covering game consoles, smart glasses, e-bikes, and even toys. There are, however, exemptions for medical equipment and products designed for underwater use.
