“Anyone who places products with portable batteries on the market in the EU must ensure that they are easy to replace,” says lawyer Julie Rasmussen Solli. She explains that devices that Required for battery replacement to be commercially available, except for certain devices that come free with the product.Today, only certain models such as the Fairphone 5 and HMD Skyline have this function .He writes tech. no.
The battery regulation is part of the EU’s European Green Deal, which aims for climate neutrality by 2050. The rules apply to the whole of the EU and will also be implemented in Norway through a separate battery regulation .
Some believe that the industry will try to push the boundaries. What is considered a special tool can create gray areas, which leave room for interpretation. Solli points out that the requirement brings benefits to consumers, such as extending electronic life and lower costs.
Previous requirements from the EU, such as USB-C standardization, have shown that significant changes can be implemented. The manufacturers were given four years to change, and although the change is challenging, it is seen as necessary for both the environment and consumer rights.
HMD product manager Petri Hayrynen believes that not all major players will change within the deadline.
“The EU should be more transparent”, he says, referring to the challenges of making a repairable phone.
“Designing electronics that are easy to repair is the right thing to do, both for the environment and for consumers,” concludes Hayrynen.
2024-11-20 19:06:00
#Apple #Samsung #mobile #phones #changing #lot
How might the push for repairability influence consumer choices in the mobile phone market?
World-today-news.com: Good day, I am pleased to present a special interview with two distinguished guests, Julie Rasmussen Solli, a lawyer specializing in environmental law, and Petri Hayrynen, a product manager at HMD Global. Today, we will be discussing the recent EU regulations regarding the repairability of mobile phones and their potential impact on the industry.
World-today-news.com: First, we would like to talk about the EU’s new battery regulations. Julie, can you please describe what these regulations entail and why they are important for the environment and consumers?
Julie Rasmussen Solli: Certainly! The new regulations require manufacturers to ensure that their products with portable batteries can be easily replaced by users. This means that consumers should be able to conveniently swap out their device’s battery without needing special tools or knowledge. The aim is to promote the circular economy and reduce electronic waste by extending product lifespan and making it easier for people to reuse or recycle their devices.
World-today-news.com: How will these regulations impact the mobile phone industry, especially major players like Apple and Samsung?
Julie Rasmussen Solli: Well, the regulations will compel companies like Apple and Samsung to rethink their device designs to make replacement batteries more accessible. It remains to be seen how each brand will respond, but it is encouraging that some, like Fairphone and HMD Global, are already ahead of the curve with devices that are designed for easy battery replacement.
World-today-news.com: Petri, as someone who works in the mobile phone industry, what are your thoughts on these new regulations? Will manufacturers be able to comply within the given timeline?
Petri Hayrynen: The industry definitely faces some challenges in meeting the requirements by 2024. However, we have seen significant progress in recent years with initiatives like Right to Repair campaigns, which have brought more attention to the importance of device longevity and sustainability. I believe that manufacturers who embrace these values will thrive in the long run.
World-today-news.com: Do you think there might be some pushback from the industry against these rules? What potential grey areas do you see
