Despite what you might have seen on the internet, iPhones sold in the European Union will not have a removable back panel for easy battery replacement, and they probably never will. Here's why.
You've probably seen AI TikTok slop and random Reddit posts that claim the EU will force Apple to bring user-replaceable batteries to the iPhone in 2027. But in what should be a surprise to nobody, they're all wrong.
But like so much viral-yet-false information, there's a kernel of truth to it. The EU does have new iPhone battery legislation that comes into effect in 2027. Apple already meets the requirements.
Apple has a history of going to battle with the EU, and it's currently arguing over whether it can launch Siri AI in that part of the world. But in this case, the EU has given it an easy out.
To understand how this new regulation doesn't apply to the iPhone, we first need to understand what the regulation actually says.
Say hello to the snappily-named Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670, Annex II, Part A and B, Section 1.1(1)(c)(ii).
The new requirements
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670 specifically applies to smartphones, mobile phones, cordless phones, and slate tablets. At first blush, that should also include the iPhone.
Boiled down to the bit that we're interested in, the regulation requires that a battery be readily removable and replaceable. The battery and the smartphone must be designed in such a way that a device owner can replace the battery when required.
Further, no specialized tools can be required, and the process must be straightforward enough for an average adult consumer to do it.
With all of that said, you could easily assume that Apple has a problem and a redesigned iPhone will come to EU countries in 2027.
But dig a little deeper, and it's clear that isn't the case.
The exemption clause
The same regulation has a clause that specifically applies to iPhones and other premium devices from the likes of Samsung, Google, etc. Welcome to the world of Annex II, Part B, Section 1.1(1)(c)(ii).
Users can replace batteries that are no longer performing correctly.
The clause allows smartphone makers to restrict battery access in ways that would normally not be permitted. But the clause only applies to devices that meet three criteria:
- Battery Longevity (after 500 cycles): The battery must retain at least 83% of its rated capacity after 500 full charge cycles.
- Battery Longevity (after 1,000 cycles): The battery must retain at least 80% of its rated capacity after 1,000 full charge cycles.
- Ingress Protection: The device must achieve a minimum IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
If those three criteria are met, a smartphone becomes exempt from the new battery regulation.
All of Apple's modern iPhones do meet or exceed those criteria. As a result, iPhones won't be affected by the new battery legislation.
Of course, if your iPhone's battery does need to be replaced, you can visit an Apple Store. Alternatively, Apple's Self Repair Program already allows iPhone owners to replace batteries at home.
Why people are talking about this right now
While the 2027 battery regulations aren't fresh news, they're back in the news right now. And you can thank Nintendo for that.
Nintendo has confirmed that it will sell a revised version of its Switch 2 console in the EU that meets the new requirements. It'll have a user-replaceable battery.
The reality is that the Switch 2 falls under completely different regulations from those that apply to an iPhone. The Switch 2 isn't a phone or a tablet, so it falls under the EU Batteries Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542). That regulation has no clauses for Nintendo to use, so it must comply.
And, it has no water resistance at all, so that's right out too.
The issues to come
While Nintendo has the money and manufacturing capabilities to make a special version of the Switch 2 just for the EU, not all companies do. That's where the regulation may have some casualties.
Smaller smartphone and tablet makers could find that it simply doesn't make sense for them to re-engineer their devices for sale in the EU. They'll likely pull those products from sale entirely, limiting the options available to customers.
However, this is likely to be a short-term problem. Future smartphones and tablets can be designed from the ground up with the battery legislation in mind.
Whether that results in companies also bringing the same user-replaceable batteries to the United States remains to be seen. Nintendo has chosen not to, at least for now.