EU Commission Exempts 6 Smart-Device Categories From Battery Rules as AirPods, Apple Watch Avoid 2027 Redesign
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 16
EU Commission Exempts 6 Smart-Device Categories From Battery Rules as AirPods, Apple Watch Avoid 2027 Redesign
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 16
Summary
Six device categories were carved out of EU battery rules, exempting smartwatches, fitness trackers and headphones from requirements that batteries be removable or readily repairable.
Apple Watch and AirPods are among the products affected, preserving the small sealed designs that could have been disrupted by the 2027 user-replaceable battery mandate.
The change followed months of U.S. pressure after the rules reportedly complicated Meta’s plans to launch display-equipped smart glasses in Europe.
Smartphones still face the 2027 battery requirements, while the Commission’s delegated act now goes to the European Parliament and Council for scrutiny and ratification.