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EU Drops Battery Removal Requirement for Apple Watch and AirPods
MacRumors • • technology
Key Points:
- The European Commission has expanded exemptions in its Batteries Regulation to include wearables like the Apple Watch and AirPods, freeing them from the requirement to have user-removable and replaceable batteries.
- The exemptions are based on safety concerns related to opening compact, sealed devices, which could allow water ingress or pose dangers due to current manufacturing constraints.
- This change also benefits Meta's smart glasses, following pressure from U.S. officials about regulatory challenges for new smart wearable devices in Europe.
- The iPhone was already exempt due to its battery life and water resistance, and Apple provides battery service through authorized channels and a Self Service Repair program; however, some devices like Nintendo’s Switch 2 will comply with the removability rule.
- The new exemptions must be approved by the European Parliament and Council, and will take effect 20 days after publication if no objections arise, ahead of the regulation's full enforcement in 2027.
