EU relaxes rules for smart glasses after US pressure
The European Commission has introduced new exemptions to its battery regulation, impacting smart glasses, wearables, and e-readers.
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The brief
The European Commission has amended regulations regarding the removability of portable batteries. These updates grant specific exemptions for categories including smart glasses and certain wearable devices, such as the Apple Watch.
Coverage from Politico and the European Commission’s official portal highlights that these changes follow pressure from the United States. Meanwhile, sources like Good e-Reader report that manufacturers of e-reading hardware currently lack the readiness required for the broader battery mandates.
Observers are looking toward 2027, the year by which replaceable battery requirements for other mobile phone hardware are expected to return. It remains to be seen how manufacturers will adjust their production timelines to meet these evolving standards.
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Quick answers
What devices are affected by the new exemptions?
The updated rules provide exemptions for smart glasses and certain wearables, including the Apple Watch.
Why were the rules relaxed?
According to reporting from Politico, the European Commission relaxed the rules following pressure from the United States.
When will battery replacement rules take effect for phones?
Coverage indicates that replaceable battery requirements for mobile phones are expected to return by 2027.
Coverage (6)
- New exemptions added to EU rules on removability of batteries EUbusiness.com · 7h ago
- Apple Watch and other wearables exempt from user-replaceable battery rules and it's probably for the best stuff.tv · 7h ago
- Replaceable Phone Batteries to Return by 2027 ManilaShaker Philippines · 7h ago
- e-reader companies woefully underprepared for new EU Battery Law Good e-Reader · 7h ago
- Commission adds exemptions to rules on removability of portable batteries environment.ec.europa.eu · 7h ago
- EU relaxes rules for smart glasses after US pressure politico.eu · 7h ago
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