From February 18, 2027 the EU will force phones, tablets and cordless phones to have batteries that users can remove and replace with common tools or none at all. The rule also sets standards for safe handling, disposal and lifecycle management of batteries. Manufacturers will likely adopt these designs globally, making devices easier to repair.

• Starting February 18, 2027, EU law requires phones, tablets, and cordless phones to have user-removable/replaceable batteries using common tools or none at all
• Any proprietary tool a manufacturer requires must be provided free with the product
• "End user" is defined as any untrained adult, so battery swaps can't be locked behind special skills or proprietary equipment
• Like the EU's USB-C mandate, manufacturers will likely apply this design globally rather than make EU-only versions, potentially bringing swappable batteries to phones worldwide by 2027