The European Union will mandate removable batteries in smartphones and tablets starting February 18, 2027. New devices must allow users to replace batteries using standard tools, with adhesives requiring heat or solvents prohibited. Manufacturers must provide replacement batteries for at least five years at reasonable prices, ending the era of glued-in power sources that forced premature device replacement.

This regulation targets the growing electronic waste problem in the EU, where millions of tons accumulate yearly as devices are discarded when batteries degrade. Users could save tens of billions of euros by extending device lifespans through simpler repairs. The battery passport will track carbon footprint, recycled content, and health status, increasing transparency for consumers and recyclers.

Manufacturers face design challenges maintaining water resistance with removable batteries. Solutions include alternative seals, robust casings with screw mechanisms, and modular structures. Specialized devices and batteries retaining 80% capacity after 1,000 cycles may be exempt. The regulation marks the end of disposable electronics in the EU market, with trade-offs between repairability and design aesthetics.