The European Union has long sought greater transparency from technology companies towards consumers – and the latest regulation being prepared is another step in this direction.
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The European Union has long been pushing for greater transparency from technology companies towards consumers – and the latest regulation is another step in that direction. From June 20, 2025, all smartphones and tablets sold in the EU will have to carry a new energy label that will provide information on the battery life and energy efficiency of the device. This move follows on from the familiar energy labels we already know from household appliances and reflects consumers’ growing expectations for information about electronics.
Which products will be subject to the new regulation?
The new requirements will apply to:
- Cordless phones (used with a landline)
- Smartphones designed for cellular or satellite networks
- Push-button phones without internet access and without support for third-party applications
- Tablets with screen sizes from 7″ to 17,4″
The regulation applies exclusively to devices placed on the market after June 20, 2025, with the exception of devices with flexible main displays that can be partially or completely unfolded, as well as all phones and tablets that were on the EU market before June 20.
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What requirements must the device meet?
All of the above devices will have to meet five key ecodesign criteria:
- Endurance: The devices must be protected against dust and water and withstand accidental drops.
- Battery life: The battery must withstand at least 800 full charge and discharge cycles while maintaining miniat least 80% of the original capacity.
- Repairability: Manufacturers must ensure the availability of essential spare parts within 5-10 working days and continue to supply them for 7 years after the product has been discontinued in the EU.
- Software support: The device must receive operating system updates for at least 5 years after the end of sale.
- Access to repairs: Professional services must be guaranteed non-discriminatory access to the necessary software and firmware.
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What will the label look like?
The new label will be part of the EPREL (European Product Register for Energy Labelling) system and will contain seven key pieces of information about the device, including information on battery, durability and repairability. The first samples of the labels have already been spotted on phones.oneintended for the European market.
Every supplier – manufacturer, importer or authorised representative – will be required to register their products via the EPREL platform, managed by the European Commission. While the manufacturer is responsible for the accuracy of the data, the Commission will verify key parameters such as the degree of protection against external influences, repairability and battery life.
What does this mean for the average consumer?
The new label is part of the EU's broader drive to increase energy efficiency by 2030. It is estimated that the programme will help reduce CO₂ emissions by 46 million tonnes and save each household an average of €150 per year – on top of the savings already achieved through previous ecodesign measures.
Although the regulation only concerns the EU, its impact could be global. Manufacturers are already extending software support beyond the European market, and devices are becoming more durable and easier to repair. In the future, it can be expected that companies will choose the path of unified production that will meet European requirements worldwide.
So what about the battery? Apple I can't. I have 15 Pro Max – 474 cycles and 86%.
I have a 15 Pro, 341 cycles and 94%, I was at 98% a month ago. So I would definitely welcome an improvement in battery life.
This is stupid again... :(
This shows perfectly that very often they are similarly ordered by the beautiful dream of an editor who has people's well-being in mind ... but everything is wrong. 7 years after the end of the sale of spare parts? Is it dust / water resistance? etc .... I would recommend talking seriously about these things, how much it costs, how much it will bring and other points of view with a service manager of a large brand. When I know how much service packages cost for x years for different types of equipment, what are the intervals and the gradual reduction of parts inventory according to the warranties of the machine in circulation and purchased warranties or contracts,,, I can't imagine the mathematics when it will be mandatory to be available regardless of everything, just according to the order. It doesn't talk about how much waste it will mean when the unused parts are disposed of, how much money, energy and space for their storage and other things.
So when you need Apple will continue to sell a 3 year old model iPhone, then it officially ends, so it's a total of 10 years of availability of the work as a record and more.