Technology · 17 July 2026
EU adds new exemptions to user-replaceable battery rules
The EU's new Battery Regulation, set for 2027, aimed to make device batteries user-serviceable, but six new exemptions have now been added. These include 'wet devices' like smartwatches and wireless earbuds, where user-replaceable batteries could affect water resistance. Smartphones also get an exemption if their battery keeps 83% capacity after 500 charge cycles, meaning only professionals would replace them.
Reported by hackaday.com · How we write briefs