EU Exempts Apple Watch and AirPods from Battery Removal Requirements
Key Takeaways
- ▸Apple Watch and AirPods have been exempted from EU battery removability requirements due to water-ingress risks inherent to their sealed, compact design
- ▸The exemption parallels existing exemptions for other sealed consumer devices like electric toothbrushes, establishing a safety-based precedent
- ▸The iPhone already held exemption status under the original EU Batteries Regulation citing its battery lifespan and water-resistance rating
Source:
Summary
The European Commission has adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, freeing the Apple Watch and AirPods from requiring user-removable and replaceable batteries. The exemptions rest on safety grounds—opening the compact, sealed enclosures of these devices could allow water ingress and create operational hazards. This approach mirrors existing exemptions for sealed devices like electric toothbrushes. The iPhone previously secured similar exemption status under the original regulation due to its battery cycle life and water resistance rating. Although the Commission has formally adopted the exemption, it still requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU before taking effect.
- Final approval from the European Parliament and Council of the EU is still required before the exemption takes full effect
