EU Drops Battery Removal Requirement for Apple Watch and AirPods
European Union regulators have exempted smartwatches, fitness trackers, and specific wearables from mandatory user-replaceable battery requirements.
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The brief
The European Union has moved to exclude smartwatches, fitness bands, and items such as the Apple Watch and AirPods from legislation that would have required batteries to be easily replaceable by consumers. Additionally, the regulatory body has moved to exempt smart glasses from broader repairability mandates.
Coverage from MacRumors, Thurrott.com, Digital Trends, and Road to VR highlights the shift in implementation for these device categories. While reports confirm the exemption for battery removal, Road to VR notes that privacy concerns regarding smart glasses remain a subject of discussion.
Future updates will clarify how these exemptions impact long-term repairability standards for the wearable technology sector. Coverage does not yet specify the timeline for the final rollout of these revised mandates.
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Quick answers
Which devices are affected by the new EU exemptions?
The exemptions cover smartwatches, fitness trackers, Apple Watch, AirPods, and smart glasses.
Will users be able to replace batteries on their smartwatches?
Current reports indicate that the EU will not require manufacturers to make these batteries user-replaceable.
Are there other issues being discussed regarding smart glasses?
Yes, Road to VR notes that privacy questions regarding smart glasses remain.
Coverage (4)
- Don’t expect smartwatches and fitness bands with replaceable batteries anytime soon Digital Trends · 19h ago
- EU Moves to Exempt Smart Glasses from Repairability Rules, Privacy Questions Remain Road to VR · 19h ago
- EU Won’t Require User-Replaceable Batteries for Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers Thurrott.com · 19h ago
- EU Drops Battery Removal Requirement for Apple Watch and AirPods MacRumors · 19h ago
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