Do you fancy the idea of changing the battery of your Apple Watch or Google Pixel Watch yourself, without having to pay for costly professional repairs? Well, new EU exemptions have dashed hopes of easily replaceable batteries becoming a legal requirement for a host of electronic devices. After signing the legislation in 2023, the EU is gradually rolling out new rules that will force electronics makers to include replaceable batteries in their devices, including laptops, smartphones, portable consoles and tablets. The rules are expected to save consumers €20 billion per year by allowing them to extend the lifespan of their devices, and reduce e-waste, according to EU estimates. By February 2027, all smart devices like smartphones and tablets must have easily user-replaceable batteries. But though the EU's new rules will let you get more life out of devices like smartphones and tablets, buyers of devices like smartwatches, wireless headphones, fitness trackers, electric toys, and smart glasses aren't set to be so lucky. Earlier this week, the European Commission adopted a new delegated act which adds exemptions for several new product categories to its provisions on replaceable batteries. The EU explained that opening up some of these categories of devices could compromise their safety, durability, or water resistance, particularly for devices too small for safe battery replacement or that have compact, sealed enclosures. The Commission also said it had sought to balance the interests of stakeholders including consumers, third-party repairers, product and battery manufacturers, and the recycling sector. This is likely great news for big tech giants like Google, Meta and Apple, all of whom have launched wearables in recent years, and have more planned on the horizon. The battery regulation has already caused real issues for some American companies. In March, Bloomberg reported that the battery rules had held back