New EU law pushes for removable batteries, but premium devices may be exempt

New EU regulations taking effect in February 2027 will mandate that smartphones and tablets have "readily removable" batteries that users can replace with simple, commercially available tools. However, a significant exception exists: devices that maintain 80% battery capacity after 1,000 charge cycles and meet IP67 water resistance standards may be exempt from the user-replaceable requirement. This loophole potentially allows high-end manufacturers like Apple, whose recent iPhones already meet these longevity benchmarks, to maintain sealed designs while still complying with European sustainability laws.

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