EU rule may revive user-replaceable batteries in future smartphones

A forthcoming European Union regulation will require phones and tablets sold in the bloc to have batteries that users can remove with standard tools, potentially bringing back removable-battery designs.

Removable-battery smartphones have become rare, with only niche devices like Samsung's rugged Galaxy XCover 7 Pro and the Fairphone 6 still offering user-replaceable packs. Manufacturers abandoned the feature to create slimmer, glass-back phones and to improve dust and water resistance, as seen in the IP68-rated iPhone 17 series. However, a new European Union regulation set to take effect in February 2027 will obligate phone and tablet makers to sell products whose batteries can be removed using commercially available tools, without adhesives that require heat or solvents.

The law permits designs that use screws, and companies may supply special tools if standard ones are insufficient. Apple may sidestep a full redesign by meeting criteria for battery capacity retention and at least an IP67 rating, allowing professional-only battery swaps. The measure is intended to lengthen device lifespans, reduce waste, and improve access to valuable materials like lithium and cobalt.