EU Exempts Apple Watch and AirPods from Battery Removal Requirements
The European Commission has adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, freeing the Apple Watch and AirPods from the requirement to offer user-removable batteries. Citing safety risks related to water resistance and sealed enclosures, the move mirrors previous exemptions for devices like electric toothbrushes. While the iPhone was already exempt, this decision faces further scrutiny from the European Parliament and the Council, sparking debate over e-waste and repair rights.
I opted instead for a $35 pair of knock-off earbuds, so at least I get 14 years instead of just 2 for the same amount of money now.
- fsuts
>some products, such as medical devices and so-called “wet appliances” (for example, electric toothbrushes or water flossers), are already exempt from this requirement, mainly for safety reasons. In these cases, batteries only need to be removable and replaceable by independent professionals.
Note: this is exemption from user replacing battery themselves, not a blanket exemption on the product not being serviceable for battery
As people will be wearing wearable products when it is raining these categories of clothes products have been classified as wet products
[0] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-adds-exempt...
- GuestFAUniverse
Electric toothbrushes are exempt? Why?
We have several for our kids, with removable batteries from Oral-B. All are years old and still waterproof.
And with that amount of voltage, where can there _ever_ be a "safety issue"?
That is quackery!
Sounds more like somebody lobbied successfully.
- maratc
Title a bit misleading: EU exempts all smartwatches (not just Apple Watch) and probably all wireless headphones (not just AirPods) as well:
> The Commission is now adding six new product categories to the existing list of exemptions. This includes wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, electric toys, and products within the scope of the ATEX Directive (equipment used in explosive atmospheres such as explosion-proof motors, sensors, pumps or forklift trucks).
- sajithdilshan
> The iPhone was already exempt from the removability rule under the original regulation, thanks to its battery cycle life and water resistance rating.
I can understand for super compact devices like AirPods, you cannot provide replaceable batteries without making the device larger. But why on earth would they exempt iPhones? Like is it rocket science to build a water proof battery replaceable phone in 2026?
- samrus
Cowards. Force them to implement resealable waterproofing