It may be good news for everyone, whether you live in Europe or not, that the EU wants smartphones and tablets sold within its borders to last for at least five years.
The EU has been constantly working on regulations relating to the right to repair over the past few years with the goal of making it simpler for normal people to get their outdated technology restored. The idea is to lessen e-waste by making old technology (like your iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S21) simply repairable and possibly even upgradeable.
You can simply get the parts fixed and keep using your present phone or tablet rather than throwing away a phone or tablet merely because one or two components are broken (and spending money on a new iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22).
The overarching objective of the EU with these regulations is to establish a circular economy by 2050. (opens in new tab). In a circular economy, garbage would be utilised as resources for the creation of new products rather than being harvested to create goods that eventually degrade into waste and are thrown away.
.jpg)
Instead of letting your outdated smartphone become e-waste, you can now fix it. (Photo courtesy of Peter Dazeley via Getty Images) )
Its most recent action was the publication of a draught proposal(opens in new tab) that, if passed into law, would require manufacturers to supply necessary components to qualified repairers for up to five years following the introduction of a new phone or tablet in the EU. This covers extra cameras, batteries, charging ports, speakers, and other necessary components. Additionally, it will prevent manufacturers from releasing upgrades that adversely affect a device's battery life during the same time period.
With any luck, this will prolong the usefulness of the best smartphones and tablets, helping you save money and the environment at the same time. It is the epitome of a win-win situation.
What about me, though? I do not reside within the EU.
While that's fine and all, we get what you're thinking. Why should it matter if you don't reside in the EU?
The EU, which consists of 27 nations, contributes one-sixth of the world economy. Therefore, its legislative choices may have a significant effect on everyone else.
For instance, many think that Apple's lightning charger will finally be phased out globally because of its new regulations mandating all electronic gadgets sold in the EU to have at least one USB-C charging connector by Fall 2024 (September, October, November). Apple probably can't afford to ignore the EU by not releasing its products there, and it would greatly complicate production if the company chose to offer a USB-C iPhone only for the EU and a lightning port iPhone everywhere else.
With the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, it'll likely fold and ultimately switch to the more commonplace charging technique.
.jpg)
Apple now offers self-repair services, which was an absurd thought a few years ago (Image credit: Apple)
Speaking of Apple, many think that the EU and France, a member of the EU, are to blame for the company's decision to provide Self Service Repair. Self Service Repair enables average people to pick up replacement parts for Apple devices, including the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.
Despite years of opposition to self-repair, Apple changed its position in November 2021 as a result of changes to French law earlier that year and discussions around repairability in the EU parliament.
The new five-year repairability concept is still just in draught form. However, if the EU decides to implement it, it won't come as a surprise if companies like Samsung, Apple, Google, and others start providing replacement parts to nations like the US, UK, and Australia as well. Not least of all due to the fact that qualified repairers outside the EU might simply begin importing the parts.
We'll have to wait and see what transpires, but if you're searching for alternative methods to lessen your impact on the environment right now, you might want to start small by examining the top eco-friendly phone cases.
