The European Commission adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, freeing the Apple Watch and AirPods from user-removable battery requirements. The regulation generally mandates user-swappable batteries to extend device life and aid recycling.

The Commission expanded exempt categories to six additional types, covering wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers. Reasoning mirrors existing exemptions for electric toothbrushes: opening sealed enclosures risks water ingress and safety hazards. Products also qualify if battery removal is inherently dangerous or impractical with current manufacturing.

The exemptions cover Apple Watch, AirPods, and Meta smart glasses, following months of U.S. pressure over rules complicating Meta's European launch. The iPhone was already exempt due to battery cycle life and water resistance. Apple offers service via stores, authorized providers, and Self Service Repair. Nintendo, however, will sell a Switch 2 version in the EU with user-replaceable battery.

The delegated act faces scrutiny from the European Parliament and Council of the EU. It takes effect 20 days after Official Journal publication if unopposed, ahead of the regulation's wider 2027 rollout.