The EU passed yet another law that will affect smartphone manufacturers and users alike. As a reminder, the EU already ordered that OEMs have to make sure that phones get repair support up to 10 years, and thus spare parts have to be available. This is in effect from June 2025.
Thanks to the EU, future smartphone batteries will be much easier to swap
The European Union (EU) once again did something that will benefit users. From 2027, phones will need to have batteries that can be easily changed by users at home, using basic tools
Just to be clear, this doesn’t mean replaceable batteries in the form of a back cover you’ll snap off with your fingernail, and simply pop the battery out. That was the case in the past. What the EU voted for is something in between that and what we have nowadays. Users should be able to replace them using basic tools.
A new mandate that the EU passed asks smartphone OEMs to rethink the basics. To use batteries that don’t degrade quickly, to make sure parts remain available for years, and that devices can be opened and repaired without specialized tools.
Phase one of the new regulations, which began back in June 2025, is already in motion. Phones that are being sold in the EU have to meet stricter durability benchmarks. Brands are also required to keep spare parts available for years and are not allowed to block independent repair services.
This change will affect the entire world, not just the EU countries
From February 2027, smartphones have to be designed so that users are able to replace batteries themselves. So, as mentioned earlier, they have to be able to do so using just basic tools. Batteries have to be able to retain at least 80% capacity after 800 charger cycles, and the public has to have access to repair manuals.
This will not impact only the EU, though. It will impact the entire world, it would seem, as there is no way smartphone OEMs will manufacture two completely different versions of the same device. That’s not financially smart, and not something OEMs will do.
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