In a significant shift driven by new European Union legislation, the era of glued-in, non-replaceable batteries may be coming to an end. Starting in 2027, manufacturers of smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronics sold in the EU will be required to design their products with batteries that users can easily remove and replace themselves.
The regulation, passed as part of the EU's broader push for sustainability and the right to repair, mandates that batteries be "readily removable" by the end-user or independent repair shops. This move aims to reduce electronic waste, extend device lifespans, and make recycling easier. While the exact implementation details are still being finalized, the law applies to all battery-powered products, including phones, tablets, cameras, and power tools.
Apple, Samsung, and other major tech companies have long moved toward sealed designs, citing water resistance, thinner devices, and structural integrity. However, the new rules will force a redesign. Some firms, like Fairphone, already champion user-replaceable batteries and stand to benefit. Others will have to innovate to meet both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for durability and repairability.
The transition won't happen overnight. The EU has given manufacturers a few years to comply, but the writing is on the wall. As more regions consider similar right-to-repair laws, the industry may have to permanently pivot away from the sealed battery trend that has dominated the last decade.