Power To The People: The EU’s Bold Plan To Make Smartphone Batteries DIY

After making USB-C the new standard, the European Union is pushing another big change for phones.

Starting February 18, 2027, smartphones and many portable devices sold in the EU must have batteries that users can remove and replace more easily.

That means companies like Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and others may need to redesign future devices to meet the new rules.

But this does not necessarily mean the return of old plastic back-cover phones with pop-out batteries.

Instead, brands are expected to create devices with:

Easier battery access

Fewer glued-in parts

Common tools for repairs

Lower battery replacement costs

Longer device lifespan

The EU says the goal is to reduce electronic waste, improve repairability, and help consumers keep devices longer instead of replacing them every few years.

Many experts believe this rule could reshape smartphone design worldwide, just like USB-C did.

Your next iPhone or Android may be easier to repair than today’s models.

How will this affect phone manufacturers?

Phone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google will likely need to redesign their devices to meet the EU’s new regulations, which require easily removable and replaceable batteries. This could lead to:

Increased design and production costs

Changes in device design, such as fewer glued-in parts and more accessible batteries

Potential global implications, as manufacturers may adopt similar designs worldwide to streamline production

Opportunities for innovation and more sustainable device design

Possible price increases for consumers to offset the added costs

Overall, this regulation could reshape the smartphone industry’s approach to device design, repairability, and sustainability.