Right to Repair: new EU regulation to boost smartphone repairability but falls short on key demands

From 20 June 2025, new EU legislation will enforce minimum repairability requirements for smartphones and tablets. These rules are intended to enhance circularity and support consumers who want to repair their devices. The law mandates seven years of spare part availability and at least five years of software updates after a device is withdrawn from the market. A new energy label for smartphones and tablets will also be introduced. In addition to energy efficiency, it will assess durability, reliability, and repairability. Devices must now survive 45 drops and batteries must retain 80% capacity after 800 charging cycles. However, spare part costs will not be included on the label—a key omission compared to the now-abolished French repair index, according to Right to Repair Europe coalition.

Spare parts access remains unequal

Manufacturers will have to offer 15 spare parts to professional repairers, but only five to end-users. Notably absent from the user-accessible list are camera modules and audio connectors. Moreover, if a phone meets battery durability requirements, brands can avoid making batteries replaceable by consumers.

Part pairing and cost transparency are missing

The Right to Repair Europe coalition criticises the regulation for failing to ban part pairing—a software technique that can limit the functionality of non-original components. Furthermore, while manufacturers must declare spare part prices, they are not bound to those prices, leaving room for unpredictability.

Screen repairs fall short of expectations

In a last-minute change, the final text no longer mandates that screens be user-replaceable with basic tools. Instead, they must only be replaceable by professionals using commercial tools. This represents a step back from earlier, more ambitious repair-friendly language.

Coalition calls for stronger action

Right to Repair Europe acknowledges the progress made but stresses that many key demands were left out. The coalition promises to keep pushing for more consumer-friendly repair policies and stronger enforcement as the regulation is implemented.