Big win for users! EU's new rules force Android makers to offer 5 years of software and 7 years of repairs
Android users in Europe, get ready for some big news: your devices are going to last a lot longer. Due to new
EU
rules, phone makers will have to legally extend the time they offer software support and repairs. The goal of the move is to cut down on e-waste and make devices last longer.
In order to better serve consumers, the European Union has instructed smartphone manufacturers to alter a number of their product lines in recent years. This includes establishing USB-C as the industry standard connector for a variety of consumer electronics, such as laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras.
Later this month, the EU's new Energy Labelling and Ecodesign Regulation directive will go into effect, prolonging the lifespan of smartphones and tablets as a whole.
According to the European Commission, smartphones and tablets sold in the EU must meet the following design specifications as of June 20, 2025, as per a report by Android Police.
What are the new EU directives?
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The design specifications include protection from dust and water, as well as resistance to unintentional drops or scratches.
Batteries that are sufficiently robust to endure 800 cycles of charging and discharging while maintaining at least 80% of their initial capacity.
Regulations governing disassembly and repair, including requirements for manufacturers to provide essential spare parts within five to ten business days and for seven years following the product model's termination of sales on the EU market.
Operating system updates are available for longer periods of time, i.e., at least five years after the last unit of a product model is taken off the market.
Professional repairers should have nondiscriminatory access to any software or firmware required for the replacement.
Except for new smartphones and tablets sold after June 20, 2025, these changes won't affect existing devices.
How will this benefit android users?
Most mid-range and high-end phones have IP ratings, so they can meet the EU's new design directive. The EU now requires companies to provide key spare parts within 10 working days for up to seven years after stopping device sales. This should greatly extend phone and tablet lifespans and simplify repairs.
Under EU regulations, the companies may have to extend software support or stop selling flagship models after two years. Xiaomi and Honor, which offer only five years of updates from launch, will be greatly affected by the new directive.
What's on the new energy label for phones?
The EU's Energy Labelling regulations will also take effect on June 20. These regulations require manufacturers of smartphones and tablets to display an energy label that includes information on energy efficiency, battery longevity, protection against dust and water intrusion, and a repairability score.
A scale from A to G will be used to rate energy efficiency, with A representing the highest efficiency and G representing the lowest.
FAQs
When do the new EU rules take effect?
They apply to new devices sold starting June 20, 2025.
Will my current phone receive longer updates now?
No, the new rules are only applicable to phones and tablets released after June 20, 2025.
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