"The battery barely holds a charge, updates slow down the phone, and repairs cost almost as much as a new device?" — these are thoughts many people can relate to. The European Union has decided to put an end to this trend by introducing new rules for electronics manufacturers. These changes, which are gradually taking effect, aim to extend the lifespan of our devices, reduce electronic waste, and make repairs more affordable.
General Requirements for Batteries: What Will Change Starting in 2027
Starting February 18, 2027, most portable batteries in electronic devices sold in the EU must be easily replaceable by the user. This means that no special tools, glue, or heat will be needed to replace the battery. Manufacturers will be required to ensure the availability of replacement batteries for at least five years after a specific model is discontinued, at a reasonable and non-discriminatory price. This applies not only to authorized service centers but also to independent repair shops.
Special rules for smartphones and tablets: already in effect
Separate, even stricter rules apply to smartphones and tablets, introduced on June 20, 2025, as part of the Ecodesign Regulation. These devices must meet a number of requirements:
Battery longevity: The battery must retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 800 full charging cycles.
Availability of replacement parts: Manufacturers are required to provide key replacement parts (including batteries, displays, and charging ports) for at least seven years after a model is discontinued. Delivery of these replacement parts must take between 5 and 10 business days.
Software Updates: Operating system and security updates are guaranteed for at least five years.
Damage resistance: Phones must withstand 45 drops from a height of one meter onto a hard surface without a case. They must also be dust- and water-resistant.
Exceptions: When the battery will still be replaced by the service center
Despite the general rule regarding user-replaceable parts, there is an important exception for smartphones and tablets. The manufacturer may not make the battery user-replaceable if the device meets certain requirements for durability and safety. Specifically, the battery must retain:
83% of its capacity after 500 charge cycles, or
80% of its capacity after 1,000 charge cycles.
In addition, the device must have a protection rating of at least IP67 (complete protection against dust and temporary immersion in water). In such cases, battery replacement may only be performed by a professional service center, to which the manufacturer is required to supply replacement parts.
This exception has drawn criticism from consumer organizations, which point out that it allows manufacturers to circumvent direct access to batteries for consumers.
Digital Battery Passport and Impact on Prices
Another new requirement is a mandatory QR code on all batteries, which will provide access to important information about their composition and specifications. However, a full “digital battery passport” with details on chemical composition, the proportion of recycled materials, and the carbon footprint will be mandatory only for batteries in electric vehicles, light vehicles (such as electric bicycles and scooters), and industrial batteries with a capacity exceeding 2 kWh. It is not mandatory for batteries in phones and tablets.
All of these requirements are certainly positive for consumers, as they promote the longevity of devices and reduce electronic waste. However, manufacturers may pass on the additional costs of developing, producing, and storing replacement parts to end consumers, which could lead to higher prices for new devices.
What does this mean for you?
If you plan to purchase a new device after February 2027 that is not a smartphone or tablet, you will likely be able to replace the battery yourself using standard tools. For smartphones and tablets purchased after June 2025, you can be confident that their batteries are designed for a long service life (at least 800 cycles) and that replacement parts will be available for many years to come. However, if your phone has an IP67 rating or higher, you’ll most likely need to have the battery replaced at a service center.
These changes are designed to help you use your devices longer and make repairs simpler and more affordable.
