BRUSSELS – As of 20 June , the European Union’s new Ecodesign Regulation requires smartphone and tablet manufacturers to provide a minimum of five years of operating system and security updates from the end of product’s sale period, effectively extending support to six years or more in most cases. Previously, many brands offered just two to three years of updates, particularly affecting mid-range models.

Spare Parts Guarantee Strengthens Right-to‑Repair

Under the regulation, manufacturers must stock essential replacement parts—such as batteries, displays, cameras, and connectors—for at least seven years after sales end, with delivery times capped at five days during the first five years, and ten days thereafter. Crucially, both independent repair services and consumers will have access to parts and instructions, along with standardized tools or tool-free repair options.

Durability Standards for Batteries

The new rules mandate that device batteries retain at least 80 percent capacity after 800 charge cycles, and smartphones/tablets must withstand 45 one‑meter drops plus be resistant to dust and water ingress. These measures aim to reduce electronic waste and support the EU’s circular economy objectives.

New EU Label Empowers Consumers

Devices sold from today onward must carry an EU energy label with information on energy efficiency (A–G), battery endurance, robustness, repairability (A–E), and Ingress Protection (IP) rating. A QR code links consumers to the EPREL database with full product specifications.

Industry Reactions—Challenges and Opportunities

Analysis by Canalys and IDC highlight that manufacturers will need to redesign hardware and overhaul processes—from supply chains to software pipelines—to comply. Major brands with existing multi‑year update strategies, like Apple, Samsung, and Google, likely face minimal disruption . However, budget and smaller Chinese brands (e.g., Xiaomi, Realme, POCO) may struggle to meet both software and parts requirements, potentially crowding them out of the EU market.

Flagship manufacturers are well-positioned to adapt

From 20 June 2025, the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation ushers in a new era of smartphone longevity and transparency: longer software support, access to spare parts, durability benchmarks, and clear consumer labels. By shifting the industry toward a “repair over replace” mindset, the rules reinforce the Right-to-Repair principles and foster a circular tech economy. While flagship manufacturers are well-positioned to adapt, the directive may reshape the EU smartphone landscape—potentially sidelining cost-sensitive brands that cannot meet the new standards.

Analysis of Major Players

• Apple & Samsung: Likely to benefit, as both already offer ~5–7 years of updates and maintain extensive service networks.
• Google: Pixel devices meet update timelines; adaptation may mainly involve hardware labeling updates.
• Chinese Brands (e.g., Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme): Must adjust to update and repair demands—may increase retail prices or reduce EU portfolio.

(hz)