Users who hoped that they would soon be able to change the battery in Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch or similar smart watches themselves will not get such an opportunity as a legal obligation. The EU Commission has adopted a new exemption that exempts several categories of small electronic devices from the rule on easily replaceable batteries.
The EU is gradually introducing regulations that require electronics manufacturers to have batteries that users can replace themselves. Those rules should cover products such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and handheld gaming consoles. According to EU estimates, such an approach could save consumers up to 20 billion euros per year, because devices would last longer, and at the same time, the amount of electronic waste would be reduced.
By February 2027, smart devices like phones and tablets should have batteries that are easier to replace. However, with a new delegated act, the European Commission has exempted several categories of products. Among them are smart watches, wireless headphones, fitness bracelets, electronic toys and smart glasses.
EU rules on replaceable batteries bypass small devices such as smartwatches and headphones
The EU Commission’s explanation is that physically opening some of these devices could compromise their safety, durability or water resistance. This especially applies to very small devices or products with compact and sealed housings, where replacing the battery is neither easy nor safe for the average user.
The European Commission says it tried to find a balance between the interests of several parties, including consumers, independent repairers, manufacturers of devices and batteries, as well as the recycling sector.
This decision will suit big technology companies like Apple, Google and Meta the most, because it is precisely small and sealed devices that are the most difficult to design with a battery that can be easily replaced by the user. According to an earlier report by Bloomberg, the battery rules have already slowed the launch of Meta smart glasses in the EU.
This does not mean that the EU is giving up on the broader idea of easier device repair, but it does make it clear that not all categories of electronics will be treated the same. Phones, tablets and laptops remain the focus of the new rules, while smart watches, headphones and similar small devices will for the time being retain the existing approach, in which battery replacement is mostly done at a service center, reports PC Mag.