Smartphones to Undergo Major Changes to Comply with New European Rules

Smartphones destined for the European market will undergo drastic changes starting in February 2027. The device batteries will be removable to make self-repairs easier.

Tech Radar notes that the Right to Repair rules may not make battery replacement as straightforward as in older phones. A few years ago, phone casings could be removed by hand and batteries replaced in seconds.

A Sam Mobile report indicates that the rules refer to batteries that are easily removable and replaceable by end users. This likely means they can be removed without special tools, unless provided free with the product.

This means the rules are not about batteries that can be easily removed, but rather the inclusion of small tools for disassembling the phone in the phone’s box.

However, this is not certain. We need to wait and see what system manufacturers will use when the rules are officially implemented.

The rules effective from 2027 are likely to impact mass production mechanisms. Tech Radar notes that devices in other markets may also be affected.

Not only phones, but several other devices will be impacted by these rules, including tablets and smart glasses. Rumours suggest Nintendo is preparing replaceable batteries for the Switch 2 console.

Previously, John Ternus, now Apple’s CEO, supported broad right-to-repair initiatives. However, he emphasised that ease of repair is not always the best solution.

“Separate repairability is not always the best answer, and making products durable is a higher priority than making them easy to repair,” he said.

Some users have reacted positively. Several Reddit users say the rules are consumer-friendly and a good step.