The good- people can replace batteries of their phone at home
The bad- the IP rating will become much lower compromising safety from water and dust
Arthur__Spooner on
This is awesome and hopefully this comes to the USA.
Revolutionary-Key650 on
Plot twist : batteries cost the price of a new phone.
p3t3y5 on
Back to the good old days of my galaxy note 4! Had 3 spare batteries with me at all times. Memory card slot next please!!!
sojuz151 on
I don’t remeber the last time i wanted to replace the battery in my smartphone.
And this law is almost dead anyway. You can avoid this requirements if your smartphone is waterproof or your battery stays healthy long enough
AzerothianLorecraft on
They’ll just do what happened to my last phone. the hardware will continue to work but none of the software will I couldn’t even pay my phone bill on the phone itself because they updated the app and it was no longer compatible with the 5-year-old phone so I had to buy a new phone…
Silly-Low6019 on
Next should be memory cards. People should be able to put their own SD cards to expand memory.
Ecstatic-Sorbet-1903 on
Only half of the truth. IP rated phones with batteries that are good for X amount of charging cycles are exempt.
UncleVoodooo on
Question: how does this make devices last longer? Isn’t it the software making them obsolete long before the batteries give out?
Glaco on
So stupid
MacbookEnjoyer on
That’s NOT true.
Batteries must have at least 80% capacity after 1000 cycles OR be easily replaceable IN A REPAIR SHOP. We are NOT going back to old smartphones, where you could actually just take out the battery whenever you wanted.
iPhones already last at least 1000 cycles. Most other manufacturers will follow suit. Not that much is going to change.
daCapo-alCoda on
I think i had enough of seeing this information on my feeds.
magirevols on
This could also mean alot more wasted batteries as people could just lose them. You don’t usually lose your phone, but a small battery isn’t a big deal
Azelheart on
Pretty sure the Nintendo Switch (and/or the Switch 2) are also included
[deleted] on
[deleted]
cultureicon on
This will lead to more e waste.
The last Motorola phone I had with a swappable battery….I ended up buying like 5 batteries but that didn’t make the phone last longer. So I got a new phone on the usual 2-3 year interval after that phone started to fall apart. So you’re left with not only a landfill phone but 5 extra batteries.
Frostgaurdian0 on
May i ask will the people of Europe be able to order batteries.
kon--- on
They’re a decade late. It would make sense in a world where phones still arrive with 2000 mAh. But here were are where we’re seeing 5000+ mAh batteries that remain fully serviceable and outlive the original users ownership.
Doing this now is pointless. Even more so with ultra-fast power backs as affordable as they are.
NmkNm on
The European Union is the phone manufacturers’ biggest nightmare.
Friendly_Ratio_3383 on
What’s the point?
Soul_lessDNA on
Yes to removable batteries!
Landlocked_WaterSimp on
And all of a sudden the impossible task of making flat phones with removable batteries will become possible overnight. But remember guys they got rid of removable batteries in the consumers own interest.
BackgroundTourist653 on
Before smartphones, there existed waterproof phones with replacable batteries.
Gaskets did not cease to exist in the last 10-15 years.
GnarlsGnarlington on
EU is turning into California.
kartu3 on
# The EU Battery Replaceability Regulation
# The Legal Basis
There are actually **two overlapping EU laws** at play here, which is where things get complicated:
1. **EU Batteries Regulation (2023)** — Article 11 specifically mandates removable and replaceable batteries. It enters into force **February 18, 2027**.
2. **Ecodesign Regulation (2023/1670)** — A separate regulation covering smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets, which has **already been in effect since June 20, 2025**.
Which Devices Are Covered?
The Ecodesign Regulation applies to **smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets** placed on the EU market from 20 June 2025 onwards. Notably, these rules do **not** apply to general tablet computers (only “slate tablets”), products with flexible/roll-up displays, or smartphones designed for high-security communication. [European Commission](https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/product-list/smartphones-and-tablets_en)
The key affected devices under the Batteries Regulation are **mobile phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets** — the focus being on products where batteries are currently glued or sealed in place.
# What Does “Replaceable” Actually Mean?
This is the most nuanced part. The regulation does **not** mean a simple pop-off back cover like old Nokia phones.
The regulations specifically refer to batteries that are “readily removable and replaceable” by the end user — meaning batteries that can be taken out without using “specialized tools, unless provided free of charge with the product.” So a manufacturer could include a small disassembly tool in the box and technically comply.
The published EU Commission guidelines clarify that in order to consider a battery readily removable by end-users, it is enough for it to be removable with **commercially available tools** — rather than more basic tools. Right to Repair Europe criticized this, arguing it makes repair less accessible than it could be.
For waterproof devices, there’s a partial exemption: partial derogations are possible for products designed to operate primarily in a wet environment, in which case batteries only have to be replaceable by an **independent professional**, not necessarily by an end-user.
The Big Exception: Apple (and Others) May Be Exempt
Batteries that can maintain 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles are not covered by the new rulings. Apple meets that standard on models starting from the iPhone 15. This is because the Ecodesign Regulation can take precedence over the Batteries Regulation for smartphones/tablets — and if a device meets certain **battery longevity and waterproofing thresholds**, it may be exempt from the replaceability requirement entirely.
Right to Repair Europe called this “a huge missed opportunity,” noting it risks setting a dangerous precedent by reinforcing a false dichotomy between durability and repairability.
# Other Key Requirements (Already in Force Since June 2025)
The Ecodesign Regulation also requires: greater resistance to drops, scratches, dust and water; batteries capable of at least 800 charge cycles while retaining at least 80% capacity; manufacturers must supply key spare parts within 5–10 working days and for at least 7 years after the product model is no longer sold; OS updates must be available for at least 5 years; and independent repairers must have fair access to software/firmware needed for repairs.
Additionally, replacement batteries for any model must remain available to users for at least **five years** after the last unit of the product is placed on the market.
IamRick_Deckard on
Back to everlasting nokias?
Oxjrnine on
Who has a battery that doesn’t outlast their phone? Like who’s still using an iPhone 4?
mad_dog_94 on
This is entirely a good thing. The xproofing does not need to be compromised. We know this because there are already well rated devices that have removable devices. If it does go down then that’s just corporate greed and we can shame them for that
Ngl it’s wild seeing the amount of corporate bootlicking I’m seeing in this post. Y’all really must have believed everything they told you over the years
starsky1984 on
I just wish phone companies would bring back bloody SD card slots for swapping out storage, it’s absolute extortion the amount they charge to go from 512gb to 1tb internal storage
Spikerazorshards on
What about longer device support?
Belthezare on
This is literally how cell phones USED TO WORK… Then capitalist took away your right to repair your own products🤔
djwillis1121 on
People need to realise. This doesn’t mean that phone will have a back that can be easily slid off to replace the battery like early 2010s phones and the one in the picture.
It means that they’ll have to be replaceable with standard tools i.e. normal screwdrivers, pry tools etc. That doesn’t mean the batteries will be hot-swappable, it will be a relatively complicated job.
LouisLevels on
RebelStrategist on
The EU has balls, unlike a “super” power country we all know.
scott__p on
can’t wait to see what they’re excuse is for making the battery non-replaceable in the US.
VermicelliOwn6502 on
The LG v20 was fucking amazing because you could swap batteries whenever it got low. That doesn’t sound “fucking amazing” but in practical use, you had infinite battery time because you always had a spare battery charging.
hu_gnew on
Now do perpetual security updates.
Malapple on
As an American, I continue to be thankful that the EU is making sensible laws protecting the best interests of humans instead of companies.
-typed on a phone that only has a USB-C connection because of the EU.
IdioticMutterings on
This rule has so many exemptions baked into it, its not going to affect any current phone maker, at all.
Separate_Sky_188 on
I remember when swapping a battery took 10 seconds and we thought nothing of it. Then somehow we got convinced that a glass sandwich that shatters if you look at it wrong was ‘premium design’ and just accepted it for 15 years
Squidking1000 on
The EU is where it is at. Just literally answering a question on recyclability for a customer. In the EU the answer is simple, here’s the rules, we comply. In North America the answer is “fuck you and the horse you rode in on”. Every state is different, within a state the rules are different, within a CITY the rules can be different! Canada and the US have no commonality. Basically you can test to California standards and hope but 1/2 the states will refuse California rules out of spite.
wkarraker on
So, will the EU force manufacturers to provide software updates for those 10 year old phones? Will they hamstring the communication industry where they need to support the technology used by these ancient phones? How many of these replaceable batteries will end up in landfills because people are carelessly throwing them away or losing them? Will lithium battery accidents happen more frequently because these batteries are freely being tossed about or stuffed in pockets and purses?
I have a power brick that handles the needs for my eight year old iPhone Pro 13, the internal battery still has 80% of its battery life available. It can recharge my phone to 100% four times over before it itself needs to be plugged in. I can use the power brick and charge the phone instead of shutting it down to perform a battery swap. Apple already has second battery option available, I could purchase a MagSafe battery that fits to the back of the phone, allowing it to remain sealed and water resistant. If I really, really feel the need to replace the battery I can swap it out myself for less than $30. So I have one device with its original battery, that if I do upgrade I can hand off to Apple to be properly recycled.
Removable batteries increase the size of the phone, reduce the size of the battery, introduce weak points like battery connections that can fail and makes moisture resistance almost impossible. You also need to maintain a second battery charge system to charge the batteries outside the phone. No thank you.
unklethan on
Incoming US legislation banning the importation of cell phones from the EU
Jaded-Researcher3025 on
And the consumer fits the bill
CalFromManc on
Title says EU. Picture says Europe.
What will happen to the UK?
D_Plissken on
Thank you EU. Once again doing the work the US is too corrupt to do!
46 Comments
This is good and bad
The good- people can replace batteries of their phone at home
The bad- the IP rating will become much lower compromising safety from water and dust
This is awesome and hopefully this comes to the USA.
Plot twist : batteries cost the price of a new phone.
Back to the good old days of my galaxy note 4! Had 3 spare batteries with me at all times. Memory card slot next please!!!
I don’t remeber the last time i wanted to replace the battery in my smartphone.
And this law is almost dead anyway. You can avoid this requirements if your smartphone is waterproof or your battery stays healthy long enough
They’ll just do what happened to my last phone. the hardware will continue to work but none of the software will I couldn’t even pay my phone bill on the phone itself because they updated the app and it was no longer compatible with the 5-year-old phone so I had to buy a new phone…
Next should be memory cards. People should be able to put their own SD cards to expand memory.
Only half of the truth. IP rated phones with batteries that are good for X amount of charging cycles are exempt.
Question: how does this make devices last longer? Isn’t it the software making them obsolete long before the batteries give out?
So stupid
That’s NOT true.
Batteries must have at least 80% capacity after 1000 cycles OR be easily replaceable IN A REPAIR SHOP. We are NOT going back to old smartphones, where you could actually just take out the battery whenever you wanted.
iPhones already last at least 1000 cycles. Most other manufacturers will follow suit. Not that much is going to change.
I think i had enough of seeing this information on my feeds.
This could also mean alot more wasted batteries as people could just lose them. You don’t usually lose your phone, but a small battery isn’t a big deal
Pretty sure the Nintendo Switch (and/or the Switch 2) are also included
[deleted]
This will lead to more e waste.
The last Motorola phone I had with a swappable battery….I ended up buying like 5 batteries but that didn’t make the phone last longer. So I got a new phone on the usual 2-3 year interval after that phone started to fall apart. So you’re left with not only a landfill phone but 5 extra batteries.
May i ask will the people of Europe be able to order batteries.
They’re a decade late. It would make sense in a world where phones still arrive with 2000 mAh. But here were are where we’re seeing 5000+ mAh batteries that remain fully serviceable and outlive the original users ownership.
Doing this now is pointless. Even more so with ultra-fast power backs as affordable as they are.
The European Union is the phone manufacturers’ biggest nightmare.
What’s the point?
Yes to removable batteries!
And all of a sudden the impossible task of making flat phones with removable batteries will become possible overnight. But remember guys they got rid of removable batteries in the consumers own interest.
Before smartphones, there existed waterproof phones with replacable batteries.
Gaskets did not cease to exist in the last 10-15 years.
EU is turning into California.
# The EU Battery Replaceability Regulation
# The Legal Basis
There are actually **two overlapping EU laws** at play here, which is where things get complicated:
1. **EU Batteries Regulation (2023)** — Article 11 specifically mandates removable and replaceable batteries. It enters into force **February 18, 2027**.
2. **Ecodesign Regulation (2023/1670)** — A separate regulation covering smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets, which has **already been in effect since June 20, 2025**.
Which Devices Are Covered?
The Ecodesign Regulation applies to **smartphones, feature phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets** placed on the EU market from 20 June 2025 onwards. Notably, these rules do **not** apply to general tablet computers (only “slate tablets”), products with flexible/roll-up displays, or smartphones designed for high-security communication. [European Commission](https://energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu/product-list/smartphones-and-tablets_en)
The key affected devices under the Batteries Regulation are **mobile phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets** — the focus being on products where batteries are currently glued or sealed in place.
# What Does “Replaceable” Actually Mean?
This is the most nuanced part. The regulation does **not** mean a simple pop-off back cover like old Nokia phones.
The regulations specifically refer to batteries that are “readily removable and replaceable” by the end user — meaning batteries that can be taken out without using “specialized tools, unless provided free of charge with the product.” So a manufacturer could include a small disassembly tool in the box and technically comply.
The published EU Commission guidelines clarify that in order to consider a battery readily removable by end-users, it is enough for it to be removable with **commercially available tools** — rather than more basic tools. Right to Repair Europe criticized this, arguing it makes repair less accessible than it could be.
For waterproof devices, there’s a partial exemption: partial derogations are possible for products designed to operate primarily in a wet environment, in which case batteries only have to be replaceable by an **independent professional**, not necessarily by an end-user.
The Big Exception: Apple (and Others) May Be Exempt
Batteries that can maintain 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles are not covered by the new rulings. Apple meets that standard on models starting from the iPhone 15. This is because the Ecodesign Regulation can take precedence over the Batteries Regulation for smartphones/tablets — and if a device meets certain **battery longevity and waterproofing thresholds**, it may be exempt from the replaceability requirement entirely.
Right to Repair Europe called this “a huge missed opportunity,” noting it risks setting a dangerous precedent by reinforcing a false dichotomy between durability and repairability.
# Other Key Requirements (Already in Force Since June 2025)
The Ecodesign Regulation also requires: greater resistance to drops, scratches, dust and water; batteries capable of at least 800 charge cycles while retaining at least 80% capacity; manufacturers must supply key spare parts within 5–10 working days and for at least 7 years after the product model is no longer sold; OS updates must be available for at least 5 years; and independent repairers must have fair access to software/firmware needed for repairs.
Additionally, replacement batteries for any model must remain available to users for at least **five years** after the last unit of the product is placed on the market.
Back to everlasting nokias?
Who has a battery that doesn’t outlast their phone? Like who’s still using an iPhone 4?
This is entirely a good thing. The xproofing does not need to be compromised. We know this because there are already well rated devices that have removable devices. If it does go down then that’s just corporate greed and we can shame them for that
Ngl it’s wild seeing the amount of corporate bootlicking I’m seeing in this post. Y’all really must have believed everything they told you over the years
I just wish phone companies would bring back bloody SD card slots for swapping out storage, it’s absolute extortion the amount they charge to go from 512gb to 1tb internal storage
What about longer device support?
This is literally how cell phones USED TO WORK… Then capitalist took away your right to repair your own products🤔
People need to realise. This doesn’t mean that phone will have a back that can be easily slid off to replace the battery like early 2010s phones and the one in the picture.
It means that they’ll have to be replaceable with standard tools i.e. normal screwdrivers, pry tools etc. That doesn’t mean the batteries will be hot-swappable, it will be a relatively complicated job.
The EU has balls, unlike a “super” power country we all know.
can’t wait to see what they’re excuse is for making the battery non-replaceable in the US.
The LG v20 was fucking amazing because you could swap batteries whenever it got low. That doesn’t sound “fucking amazing” but in practical use, you had infinite battery time because you always had a spare battery charging.
Now do perpetual security updates.
As an American, I continue to be thankful that the EU is making sensible laws protecting the best interests of humans instead of companies.
-typed on a phone that only has a USB-C connection because of the EU.
This rule has so many exemptions baked into it, its not going to affect any current phone maker, at all.
I remember when swapping a battery took 10 seconds and we thought nothing of it. Then somehow we got convinced that a glass sandwich that shatters if you look at it wrong was ‘premium design’ and just accepted it for 15 years
The EU is where it is at. Just literally answering a question on recyclability for a customer. In the EU the answer is simple, here’s the rules, we comply. In North America the answer is “fuck you and the horse you rode in on”. Every state is different, within a state the rules are different, within a CITY the rules can be different! Canada and the US have no commonality. Basically you can test to California standards and hope but 1/2 the states will refuse California rules out of spite.
So, will the EU force manufacturers to provide software updates for those 10 year old phones? Will they hamstring the communication industry where they need to support the technology used by these ancient phones? How many of these replaceable batteries will end up in landfills because people are carelessly throwing them away or losing them? Will lithium battery accidents happen more frequently because these batteries are freely being tossed about or stuffed in pockets and purses?
I have a power brick that handles the needs for my eight year old iPhone Pro 13, the internal battery still has 80% of its battery life available. It can recharge my phone to 100% four times over before it itself needs to be plugged in. I can use the power brick and charge the phone instead of shutting it down to perform a battery swap. Apple already has second battery option available, I could purchase a MagSafe battery that fits to the back of the phone, allowing it to remain sealed and water resistant. If I really, really feel the need to replace the battery I can swap it out myself for less than $30. So I have one device with its original battery, that if I do upgrade I can hand off to Apple to be properly recycled.
Removable batteries increase the size of the phone, reduce the size of the battery, introduce weak points like battery connections that can fail and makes moisture resistance almost impossible. You also need to maintain a second battery charge system to charge the batteries outside the phone. No thank you.
Incoming US legislation banning the importation of cell phones from the EU
And the consumer fits the bill
Title says EU. Picture says Europe.
What will happen to the UK?
Thank you EU. Once again doing the work the US is too corrupt to do!