9to5Google article
Those 'new' EU battery regulations probably won't mean hot-swap batteries for your Android phone
https://9to5google.com/2026/04/21/those-new-eu-battery-regulations-probably-wont-mean-hot-swap-batteries-for-your-android-phone/
This is content translated by Gemini 3 Flash.
As the 2027 implementation deadline for EU battery regulations first announced in 2023 approaches rapidly, attention is being drawn to it once again. As focus returns to this issue, there are several points that need to be clarified about what these 'new' regulations mean for Android devices.
In 2023, the European Union released a new battery management plan to prevent waste. Part of this document covers mobile devices and others, and was amended with the most notable changes in 2025. Essentially, this regulation has set a precedent requiring mobile manufacturers to develop devices with 'repairability' and 'replaceability' in mind to ensure that batteries can be recycled to a reasonable degree.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/214/oj/eng
While this is not new news, regulation-related content is spreading widely once again. Starting February 17, 2027, these new rules are set to take effect, and some social media and media outlets are claiming that OEM manufacturers will need to redesign Android and iOS devices to include replaceable batteries.
Common speculation is that devices like Google's Pixel phones or Samsung's Galaxy phones would need to be equipped with batteries that can be removed without tools. If you remember phones from before the 2010s, imagine a form with a removable back panel.
However, this speculation may be wrong for several reasons.
The EU regulation wording uses specific language that exempts many Android devices currently on the market from battery requirements. According to the document, a battery is considered replaceable when it can be removed without 'specialized tools' or 'thermal energy'. Devices below the IPX5 rating are likely to fall into this category, as 'specialized tools' probably refers to things that only device repair service providers can easily obtain, and thermal energy like heat guns is not necessarily required. A star-shaped (Torx) screwdriver is not a specialized tool, but some of Apple's proprietary screwdrivers qualify as specialized tools.
Additionally, tools sold at places like iFixit are easy to obtain, but can these be considered 'specialised tools'?
A portable battery should be considered removable by the end user when it can be removed with commercially available tools and without requiring specialized tools, unless provided free of charge, or proprietary tools, thermal energy or solvents to disassemble it.
A portable battery should be considered to be removable by the end-user when it can be removed with the use of commercially available tools and without requiring the use of specialised tools, unless they are provided free of charge, or proprietary tools, thermal energy or solvents to disassemble it.
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
However, for devices like Pixel 10 or Galaxy S26, thermal energy is generally needed to soften the adhesive between the frame and back panel, even if specialized tools are not required. That is, there is a possibility that the internal battery of such devices may not be classified as 'removable'. This is despite Samsung's recent efforts to attach pull-tabs to batteries to make them easy to remove.
However, looking at the EU regulations in more detail, it appears that additional provisions related to battery life play a greater role in exempting these devices from regulatory scope. Even if device disassembly requires specialized tools, solvents, or thermal energy, they may still be permitted under the new EU regulations if the battery maintains 80% of its capacity even after 1,000 charge cycles. Additionally, it appears these devices must have IP67 rating or higher water and dust resistance.
Manufacturers, importers or authorized distributors may provide the batteries mentioned in point (i)(a) only to professional repair shops, provided they ensure that the following requirements are met.
(a) After 500 complete charge cycles, the battery must maintain at least 83% or more of its rated capacity when fully charged.
(b) The battery cycle life must reach a minimum of 1,000 cycles, and after 1,000 complete charge cycles, the battery must maintain at least 80% or more of its rated capacity when fully charged.
(c) The device must meet IP67 rating (water and dust resistance).
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1670
All Pixel devices from Pixel 8a onward have been rated to maintain at least 80% battery capacity even after 1,000 charge cycles. Samsung devices tend to achieve higher figures, so both manufacturers are unlikely to face restrictions under these new regulations.
So what does this mean?
Because of the nuanced complexity of how the EU defines 'replaceability', it remains unclear whether manufacturers like Samsung or Google will need to reconsider their smartphone designs by 2027. Even if this regulation came into effect immediately today, it appears many devices already comply with it.
Even if these regulations don't bring major changes to flagship models, they will ensure that more devices within the EU (not the US) meet higher standards. This means improved water resistance and better battery ratings, which consequently reduces the need for repairs. If a device fails to meet these conditions, it must have a structure that can be easily separated without the need for solvents or heat application.
I hope this explanation has answered your questions.
