From June 20, 2025, the European Union introduced new regulations requiring all the smartphones and tablets sold inside its borders to meet sustainability standards and display detailed energy labels at the point of sale. This initiative, part of the Green Agreement of the EU, aims to reduce electronic waste, extend the lifespan of devices and allow consumers to make purchase decisions concerned with the environment. The new rules require that the devices carry standardized energy labels, displaying a place of scores for key attributes such as battery life, sustainability and repair. These labels, designed to be clear and user -friendly, include:* Energy efficiency class: noted from A to G, indicating the electrical efficiency of the device.* The battery life by load: expressed in hours and minutes for real use.* Battery longevity: measured load cycles, with a minimum capacity storage of 80% after 800 complete cycles.* Repair score: classified from A to E, reflecting the ease of repair and access to spare parts.* Evaluation of the resistance to the fall: indicating the sustainability of the device against physical damage.* Input protection score: evaluation of dust and water resistance.Each label also has a QR code linking to the European register of products for energy labeling (EPREL), where consumers can access detailed technical specifications and compare environmental performance between models.Regulations are closely aligned with practices already adopted by industry leaders like Apple. Most iPhones receive software updates for more than five years, and Apple provides official repair services, a self-service repair program and access to authentic parts for out-of-parasites. However, EU requirements introduce stricter formalities, in particular with regard to battery performance and the availability of spare parts.Under the new rules, the batteries must keep at least 80% of their original capacity after 800 charging cycles, a standard which can oblige manufacturers like Apple to adapt their tests to comply with the EU framework. While Apple publishes online battery specifications, formal compliance with EU test protocols may require additional adjustments. In addition, manufacturers are now obliged to provide key spare parts for seven years after the sale of the last unit of a model in the EU – a mandate that slightly exceeds Apple’s current support calendar from five to seven years.The push of the sustainability of the EU should influence global manufacturing standards, because companies adapt to meet the rigorous requirements of the block. Environmental groups praised this decision, citing its potential to limit the 14 million tonnes of electronic waste generated each year in the EU. However, some industry analysts warn that compliance costs could cause higher prices for devices, especially for budgetary models.
