# EU Exempts Apple Watch and AirPods from Battery Replacement Requirements European Commission grants exemption due to water resistance concerns. - **Source:** [Hacker News: Front Page](https://brifing.si/source/b07aa772-b1a0-4a76-aa18-719c6f9e2dde) - **Published:** 2026-07-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0fa20beb-3573-4193-95f3-f50f24b1bf5f ## Amendment to EU Battery Regulation The European Commission has exempted Apple Watch and AirPods from the requirement for user-replaceable batteries. The decision is based on safety risks associated with opening waterproof devices. Similar exemptions already applied to electric toothbrushes. ## Exemption Criteria Devices qualify for exemption if battery removal is inherently dangerous or impossible with current manufacturing methods. iPhone was already exempt due to its battery cycle life and water resistance rating. ## Approval Process Ongoing The Commission's decision still needs scrutiny by the European Parliament and EU Council. If unchallenged, Apple products will be permanently exempt from battery replacement requirements. ## Significant Decision for Manufacturers This ruling sets an important precedent for compact, waterproof device makers. Relaxing battery replacement rules for wearables could increase design freedom in the industry. ## Balancing Consumer Rights and Safety EU officials aim to balance repair rights with product safety. Professional battery replacement in waterproof devices is seen as a safer solution for both security and device longevity. ## Tech Industry Regulations This decision marks another step in the EU's increasing tech product regulations. Alongside USB-C mandates and digital market rules, it's shaping the future of the industry. ## Sources covering this story - https://mjtsai.com/blog/2026/07/17/eu-exempts-apple-watch-and-airpods-from-battery-removal-requirement/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._