Exceptions for Apple Watch and others: EU relaxes repair regulation

The European Commission has updated its upcoming Right to Repair regulation, granting specific exemptions for certain product categories. Starting February 18, 2027, rules requiring manufacturers to make batteries user-replaceable will apply to many electronics, but wearable devices and smart toys are now off the hook.

This ruling means that products like the Apple Watch, Google Fitbit Air, and Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses will not be required to feature batteries that consumers can swap out themselves. Lawmakers stated that the decision rests on safety concerns, as opening these compact, highly integrated devices poses risks that make home repair impractical for the average user.

While the broader regulation encourages more sustainable design for smartphones and tablets—leading companies like Nintendo and Apple to adjust their product roadmaps—the wearable sector remains largely unchanged by these mandates. Consumers who prioritize repairability in their tech may find that options like the Google Pixel Watch 4 remain outliers in a market dominated by sealed units.

This development marks a pragmatic shift in how the European Commission is applying its sustainability goals to different hardware classes. While the standard for general consumer electronics remains high, regulators have acknowledged the technical and safety constraints inherent in smaller, wearable form factors.