EU lets wearables wriggle out of user-replaceable battery rules

personal tech Miniaturization means a professional's touch is needed The European Commission has watered down its rules around battery replaceability with exemptions for some wearable devices, potentially including the Apple Watch and Meta's AI Glasses.A delegated act was adopted by the European Commission on July 14 that exempted the products from EU requirements on the removability and replaceability of portable batteries.The batteries must still be replaceable, but by independent professionals rather than end users. REG AD Wet appliances already have an exemption from user-replaceability rules, and qualifying wearables are now on the list. By wearables, the Commission means smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart glasses, or anything integrated into clothing. REG AD In its document [PDF],