Policy · 1h ago
EU exempts Apple Watch from user-replaceable battery rules
The European Commission has revised battery regulations to exempt wearables like the Apple Watch from requirements that batteries be user-replaceable. The exemption covers devices where water resistance or compact design would be compromised. The rules still apply to smartphones and tablets starting in 2027.
Meridian48 take
The exemption highlights the tension between EU sustainability goals and product design constraints, but critics may argue it leaves a loophole for planned obsolescence in wearables.
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Apple Watch among wearables exempted from EU user-replaceable battery rules →
9to5Mac
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