How to Use WhatsApp on Apple Watch Series 10

The European Commission is considering exemptions for certain wearable devices, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, regarding new battery replacement mandates. Under the EU’s Battery Regulation, which aims to make batteries in electronic devices replaceable by the end of 2027, the Commission may allow exceptions for devices where the battery cannot be replaced without compromising the device’s functionality or safety, according to reports from July 16, 2026.

EU Battery Regulation and Wearable Constraints

The European Union’s Battery Regulation requires that portable batteries in electronics be removable and replaceable by the end-user using commonly available tools. This mandate is part of a broader effort to reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of consumer hardware.

However, the European Commission is reviewing specific technical hurdles associated with miniaturized electronics. For devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods, the integration of components is extremely dense. According to the reports, the Commission is evaluating whether the strict requirement for user-replaceable batteries is feasible for these specific product categories without risking the structural integrity or water resistance of the hardware.

Apple Hardware Design and Repairability

Apple typically utilizes strong adhesives and proprietary seals to maintain water and dust resistance ratings in the Apple Watch series. These design choices make battery replacement difficult for consumers and often require professional servicing to avoid damaging the OLED display or internal sensors.

The AirPods present an even greater challenge due to their size. The batteries in these earbuds are small and tightly packed into a plastic housing that is often sonic-welded shut. Replacing these batteries generally requires destroying the outer shell of the earbud, which aligns with the concerns the European Commission is currently weighing regarding “major exceptions” for such devices.

Regulatory Impact on the Wearables Market

If the European Commission grants these exemptions, it would allow Apple and other wearable manufacturers to continue their current design language in the EU market. If the exemptions are denied, companies would be forced to redesign the internal architecture of their watches and earbuds to allow for battery swaps by 2027.

This regulatory tension mirrors previous conflicts between the EU and Apple, most notably the transition from Lightning to USB-C ports mandated by the Common Charger Directive. While the USB-C transition was a matter of connector standardization, the battery mandate targets the fundamental internal build of the device.

The outcome of this decision will likely set a precedent for other “tiny-tech” categories, including hearing aids and medical wearables, where battery longevity is critical but physical space is limited.