Starting in 2027, every mobile phone sold in the European market must meet stricter standards for longevity, performance, and repairability.
One of the most significant changes relates to the battery. In many cases, it will need to be more easily replaceable by users themselves, putting an end to the practice of sealed phones that require costly intervention for a simple issue. This means users will no longer be forced to buy a new device just because the battery no longer holds a charge.
According to the new rules, batteries must maintain performance longer even after many charging cycles, while the devices themselves must be designed to be repaired more easily. Currently, many phones require special tools or professional services to be opened, which increases costs for consumers.
The impact of these rules is expected to extend beyond Europe, as large companies prefer not to produce different versions for each market. This means the changes could also be reflected in global iPhone and Android models. For users, the benefit is twofold: lower expenses and longer device lifespans.
As for the environment, less electronic waste and more sustainable use of resources. Essentially, Europe aims to end the culture of rapid replacement and encourage repair as the first choice.