Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory in the EU starting in 2027

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Scope of the regulation

  • Two EU regulations interact:
    • Batteries regulation 2023/1542: general rule that portable batteries must be end‑user replaceable, with exceptions (e.g., certain waterproof/medical devices).
    • Ecodesign regulation 2023/1670 (smartphones/tablets): allows non‑user‑replaceable batteries if strict conditions are met.
  • An EU notice clarifies that for phones/tablets, the ecodesign rules (with exemptions) override the general batteries rule.

Key exemptions and perceived “loopholes”

  • Phone/tablet batteries may be non‑user‑replaceable if:
    • They retain ≥83% after 500 cycles and ≥80% after 1,000 full cycles, and
    • The device meets at least IP67 water resistance.
  • Many commenters argue this effectively exempts flagship iPhones and Samsungs, calling it regulatory capture that guts the law’s impact on e‑waste.
  • Others counter that the requirement is nontrivial, drives better battery quality/management, and still hits low‑end “disposable” phones.

Battery life, testing, and gaming concerns

  • Several users report recent iPhones dropping below 80% well before 1,000 cycles, disputing that “all flagships” already meet the bar.
  • Big worries about:
    • How a “cycle” is defined (partial vs full cycles, usage patterns).
    • Test conditions (temperature, charge limits).
    • Vendors gaming UI‑reported health (cap at 80%, redefine 100%, fudge metrics).
  • Unclear how claims will be verified or what real remedies users get if batteries underperform after warranty.

“Removable” and tools

  • “Removable by end‑user” is defined as:
    • Replaceable with “basic tools” (explicitly: Phillips, slotted, Torx, hex keys, pry tools, spudger, etc.).
    • No adhesives requiring heat or solvents; “special tools” must be provided free.
  • Some note this still won’t be DIY for most users but should make shop repairs cheaper and safer.

Design trade‑offs: thickness, waterproofing, and robustness

  • One camp: removable batteries mean thicker, less rigid, less waterproof phones; most people prefer thin, sealed devices and will accept occasional paid replacements.
  • Other camp: examples of rugged IP‑rated phones and watches with screws/gaskets prove water resistance and replaceability can coexist, with modest penalties (mm and grams).
  • Many point out most phones live in bulky cases anyway, so ultra‑thinness is a marketing, not user, priority.

E‑waste, right‑to‑repair, and broader regulation

  • Supporters see this as a (small) step against e‑waste and toward right‑to‑repair: easier battery replacement, mandated spare‑part availability, clearer disassembly procedures.
  • Critics say the exemptions plus lack of standardized batteries and long‑term OS/firmware support mean limited real impact.
  • Broader wishes: mandatory long‑term software updates or unlockability, tool‑battery standards, SD‑card and headphone‑jack mandates, and even standardized cells (e.g., 18650).