The European Commission has exempted smartwatches and fitness trackers from a requirement that devices sold in Europe feature user-replaceable batteries [1].
This decision prevents a major design shift for some of the world's most popular wearables. By removing these devices from the mandate, the EU avoids forcing manufacturers to redesign compact hardware that currently relies on sealed components for water resistance and size.
The exemption was announced in July 2026 [2]. It applies to the EU Batteries Regulation, which is scheduled to take effect in 2027 [1]. Under the original framework, most portable electronic devices would have been required to allow users to replace batteries easily to reduce electronic waste.
Specific devices benefiting from this revision include the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Meta smart glasses [3]. The Commission said that technical constraints and design considerations for small wearables make user-replaceable batteries impractical [1]. These constraints often involve the extreme spatial limitations of the devices, making a removable battery system technically unfeasible without compromising the product's core functionality.
While the broader regulation still aims to increase the sustainability of electronics across the continent, the Commission determined that wearables constitute a unique category. The move ensures that companies can continue selling their current hardware designs in the European market without facing legal penalties or being forced to launch region-specific hardware variants.
Manufacturers of larger electronics will still need to comply with the 2027 deadline [1]. The regulation remains a cornerstone of the EU's effort to transition toward a circular economy by extending the lifespan of consumer electronics through repairability.
“The European Commission has exempted smartwatches and fitness trackers from a requirement that devices sold in Europe feature user-replaceable batteries.”
This exemption represents a pragmatic compromise by the EU, acknowledging that the physical limits of miniaturized technology clash with sustainability mandates. By sparing wearables, the EU prevents a potential market disruption where high-end devices like the Apple Watch might have been banned or forced into bulkier, less aesthetic designs to meet legal requirements.
