User-replaceable batteries are coming back in a big way The European Union is implementing new laws that require portable tech products with batteries to be designed for longevity, repairability, and recyclability, with a focus on user-replaceable batteries. These regulations, set to take full effect next year, mandate that users can remove and replace batteries with basic tools, and spare batteries must be available for at least five years. While some exemptions exist, particularly for smartphones and tablets with high battery longevity and waterproofing, the broader impact is expected to drive a resurgence in user-serviceable devices across various product categories.

• EU legislation mandates that portable tech products with batteries must be designed for improved longevity, repairability, and recyclability.
• Starting February 18th, 2027, users must be able to remove and replace batteries with basic tools, and compatible spare batteries must be sold for at least five years.
• Smartphones and tablets have a separate regulation with specific exemptions if their batteries maintain high capacity and the device has a high IP rating.
• Some devices, like certain medical devices and products designed for wet environments, are exempt from these rules.
• Proposed exemptions for wearables like smartwatches are being considered due to the small size of battery enclosures.
• Manufacturers like Fender, Sennheiser, and Fairphone are already producing devices with easily replaceable batteries in anticipation of the regulations.
• Amazon, Microsoft, and Nintendo are rumored to be developing products with user-replaceable batteries.
• There’s a risk that some manufacturers may create EU-specific versions of products or opt out of the EU market entirely rather than comply.
• US states are also enacting right-to-repair laws, which could lead to similar product designs being released in the US.
• The complexity of redesigning for battery accessibility involves balancing user convenience, product size, and structural durability.
• While smartphone battery replacement won’t change much due to existing rules and exemptions, other device categories will see significant shifts.
• Apple’s recent iPhone battery adhesive and repairable MacBook models may be influenced by or align with the spirit of these regulations.
• Interpretations of ‘commercially available tools’ and ‘reasonable’ pricing for spare parts may require further clarification and potential litigation.
• Right to Repair advocates are pushing for user-replaceable batteries across all products, citing a potential false tradeoff between durability and repairability.
• EU has mandatory battery and repairability labels for devices as part of its ecodesign rules. Continue reading https://www.theverge.com/column/939026/user-replaceable-batteries-eu-european-union-legislation