Your next smartwatch won't get a swappable battery after all

The European Commission recently updated its battery regulations, providing a major shift for the wearable tech industry. Under the new delegated act, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart glasses are officially exempt from the consumer-removable battery requirements that are set to hit other portable electronics in 2027.

Regulators recognized that requiring user-swappable batteries for these compact devices could compromise essential features. Many of these products rely on tight seals to maintain water resistance and physical durability. Forcing a design change to allow for snap-off backs or tool-free battery access would risk the integrity of products meant for constant, active use.

While the average consumer will not be able to swap their own watch battery, the regulation still requires manufacturers to offer professional repair options. This means third-party repair shops will need the ability to access and replace these batteries, ensuring that the hardware can still be serviced rather than discarded.

Smartphones remain outside of this exemption group. By 2027, phone manufacturers must ensure their batteries are replaceable using common tools or provided kits. This distinction highlights the focus of the European Union on balancing the goals of a circular economy with the practical engineering constraints of miniaturized wearable technology. The policy currently awaits final scrutiny from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU before it officially takes effect.