No more changing your phone every few years because of the battery. The European Union has decided to end the planned obsolescence of devices with new rules that will force manufacturers to redesign their devices.
The measure is part of the European ecodesign regulation, which introduces new requirements to improve the durability and repairability of electronic products. From 2027, all mobile phones sold in the EU must meet these conditions.
The objective is clear: reduce electronic waste and combat the excessive consumption of electronic devices.
Replaceable batteries and longer life
One of the most important changes will be the obligation that the batteries can be easily replaced by the users themselves.
This implies that:
- Mobile phones must allow you to change the battery without complex tools
- Batteries will have to withstand more charge cycles without losing performance
- closed designs that make repair difficult will be eliminated
With this, users will be able to extend the useful life of their devices without having to buy a new one.
More facilities to repair devices
The regulations also introduce new obligations for manufacturers regarding repairs.
Among them stand out:
- availability of spare parts for at least 10 years
- access to repair manuals
- design that allows the device to be disassembled with common tools
This turns the “right to repair” into a real obligation for brands.
The end of planned obsolescence
These measures seek to put a stop to a widespread practice in the technology sector: designing products with a limited useful life.
With the new rules, manufacturers will have to opt for more durable, repairable and sustainable devices.
In addition, facilitating the recycling of components will also be a key aspect within the new European framework.
Reduce the amount of waste
The European Union wants to reduce the enormous volume of electronic waste that is generated each year.
By extending the useful life of mobile phones, the need to manufacture new devices is reduced, which means less consumption of resources and less environmental impact.
With this regulation, Brussels takes another step in its strategy to promote a more circular and sustainable economy throughout Europe.