The date is set. On February 18, 2027, Article 11 of the EU Batteries Regulation enters into force, approved by the European Parliament with 587 votes in favor, 9 against, and 20 abstentions. From that day, any smartphone, tablet, or digital camera sold in Europe must allow the user to replace the battery at home.

Goodbye to the tricks that force you to buy a new phone. No more impossible glues, heat guns, or proprietary screws. The law requires the battery to be removable with a common screwdriver. Manufacturers will also be obligated to guarantee original spare parts for years and maintain software updates for a minimum period.

The data driving the decision is uncomfortable for the industry. The average user changes phones every 2.7 years, not because the device stops working, but because the battery degrades. With the new regulation, the EU estimates phones could last 5 to 6 years, drastically reducing electronic waste, lithium mining, and the user’s dependence on the forced consumption cycle.