The European Union has introduced new regulations regarding batteries that can extend the life of devices, reduce e-waste and improve overall environmental friendliness. Although the rules apply to all types of batteries and cover things like waste collection and the use of recycled materials, a section on phones got a lot of attention. Smartphones and other devices should have removable or replaceable batteries by 2027.

Many of our readers remember the days when most smartphones had batteries that users could replace on their own. Just remove the back panel (no problem, soldering iron and crowbar), remove the battery and replace with a new or simply charged battery. There are very few such models left today.

The new rules apply only to the European Union. And manufacturers can continue to produce the now-familiar smartphones in other regions; this is battery removal is sometimes an issue even at service center.

In any case, experts do not assume that the new requirements of the European Union will significantly change the situation on the market, at least in the near future. It is very likely that the same Apple will begin to prove that the current design of the iPhone is in compliance with the law, thanks to the self-service repair program that it introduced earlier. Similar programs are gradually being implemented by other manufacturers such as Samsung and Google.