The European Union wants smartphone and tablet manufacturers to offer user-replaceable batteries by 2027. Though the European Parliament has approved the new rules for batteries sold within the EU, it may have a ripple effect globally.
There was a time when replaceable batteries were everywhere and it was easy to swap out a drained-out battery with a fully charged one. As phones slimmed down, the battery was required to be glued into place. Then came water and dust resistance which made it difficult to open a device.
Once the rules go into play, phones sold in Europe will need to have to be designed so that the battery can be replaced by “a layman”, without getting special equipment. It’s up to manufacturers to decide whether they want to sell phone models customised for the EU and a different set for the rest of the world. The rule will require a drastic design rethink by manufacturers.
But all rules have grey areas. The end user will be responsible for sorting out the batteries that are “readily removable without the use of professional tools”. The rules don’t mention the set of “basic tools” that qualify for the job. Also, once a battery is replaced, who will be responsible for the seal guaranteeing water and dust resistance?
Members of the European Parliament overwhelmingly endorsed the new rules and now the European Council “will now have to formally endorse the text before its publication in the EU Official Journal shortly after and its entry into force”.