From June 20, new smartphone support rules will start to apply in Europe

Basic Requirements:

• Reliability:
• Devices must be resistant to scratches, drops, dust and water.
• Minimum protection standards are not specified, but manufacturers will need to consider these parameters in their design.

• Batteries:
• Must be able to withstand at least 800 charge cycles while retaining 80% of capacity.

• Spare Parts and Repair:
• Replacement parts shall be supplied:
• Within 5-10 business days after request.
• Within 7 years after the end of sale of the device.
• Repair programs and firmware must be available to certified craftsmen.

• Support for updates:
• A minimum of 5 years of OS updates since the last device of that model.
• This can result in a full support period of up to 7-8 years.
• New labeling:
• Energy Efficiency Class.
• Rated time on a single charge.
• Level of drop, water and dust protection.
• Repairability (analogous to the French index).

Exceptions:

• Smartphones with flexible screens - not covered by the regulation.

What it means:

• Manufacturers will have to seriously adapt.
• Devices will become more durable but possibly more expensive.
• The European Commission expects a decrease in overall sales, but sees this as a justifiable cost of going green.