European rules expected to take effect in 2027 could make battery replacement far easier for owners of portable devices. The change may challenge the sealed-battery design that has become standard across modern smartphones.
Under the rules, owners must be able to remove and replace a battery without specialist assistance, using commercially available tools. Manufacturers would also need to keep replacement batteries available for at least five years after a model’s production ends.
What the rules require
The policy is intended to extend the usable life of devices whose batteries have lost capacity while other components remain functional. It could affect more than phones, with tablets, smartwatches and wireless headphones also potentially falling within the portable-device category.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected start | 2027 in Europe. |
| Battery replacement | Owners must be able to remove and replace the battery without specialist assistance. |
| Tools | Commercially available tools must be sufficient. |
| Spare parts | Replacement batteries must be available for at least five years after production ends. |
The prospect of easier battery replacement addresses an electronic-waste concern. A phone may otherwise be discarded because of declining battery life even when its display, camera and other parts continue to work.
A possible exemption for durable batteries
Manufacturers may qualify for specific conditions if a battery retains at least 80 percent of its capacity after 1,000 full charging cycles. That exemption is not automatic, as companies must still provide sufficient evidence to regulators.
Apple may have an opportunity to use this route. The company says batteries in the iPhone 14 and later models can retain at least 80 percent of their maximum capacity after 1,000 full charging cycles.
If the requirements are not met, iPhone designs sold in Europe after the rules take effect could differ from versions sold elsewhere. Because smartphone makers typically produce devices at large scale, the effect could eventually reach markets beyond Europe.
Why removable batteries disappeared
Older phones allowed users to open the back cover, swap in a spare battery or replace an ageing unit. That arrangement requires a removable rear cover, connectors built to withstand repeated use and space for locking mechanisms.
Those extra elements add manufacturing cost and constrain internal layouts. Sealed batteries allow manufacturers to use a sturdier construction and arrange space more efficiently for components such as high-resolution cameras and wireless charging systems.
Consumer demand for slim phones with aluminium or glass bodies has also supported the transition. Maintaining a removable-battery structure is considered more expensive while manufacturers are under pressure to keep prices competitive.
Water resistance and theft prevention
A sealed body gives manufacturers fewer openings through which water can enter. The unibody approach has helped many modern smartphones offer water-resistance ratings, a result that is harder to achieve with a rear cover designed for frequent opening.
This construction can help premium phones remain usable after heavy rain or accidental immersion. Water exposure was generally a greater threat to internal components in the era of removable batteries.
Built-in batteries also provide a security advantage when a phone is stolen. Tracking services such as Apple’s Find My iPhone and Google’s Find My Device can help locate a device while it still has power.
With a removable battery, a thief could open the rear cover and cut power immediately. Removing a sealed battery is more difficult and may require damaging the phone, potentially reducing its resale value.
A new trade-off for phone makers
The European approach does not erase the benefits that made sealed batteries popular. Instead, it places greater emphasis on repairability and battery longevity alongside thin designs, water resistance and device security.
The result could be a new design compromise for manufacturers serving Europe. Devices that make battery replacement more practical may also appear in other markets, including Indonesia, as companies adjust production at scale.