Apple Watch, Meta Glasses, AirPods get reprieve from EU replaceable battery law

European Union regulators have updated their stance on battery replacement requirements for portable electronics. The new policy exempts specific wearable devices and compact hardware from the 2027 mandate that would have required users to easily remove and replace internal batteries.

Devices such as the Apple Watch and Meta smart glasses are no longer subject to these strict design requirements. The Commission cited significant safety concerns as the primary reason for this exemption. Many of these products operate in wet or humid conditions where opening a sealed compartment could compromise hardware integrity or expose users to moisture-related hazards.

Technical constraints also played a role in the decision. Regulators acknowledged that the current state of industry technology makes it difficult to design ultra-compact devices with modular battery access without sacrificing size or safety. Additionally, products intended for children or those posing specific explosion risks in certain environments received similar considerations to prevent accidental harm.

This update follows the broader Commission Regulation 2023/1670. While the rules remain in effect for other consumer electronics, this change provides a clearer path for manufacturers of wearables and specialized industrial equipment. The regulation does not prohibit battery servicing entirely but acknowledges that professional repairs remain a more secure option for these specific product categories compared to user-accessible designs.