Don’t expect smartwatches and fitness bands with replaceable batteries anytime soon

Regulators in the EU have decided to exempt smartwatches and fitness bands from the new rule requiring all devices to have replaceable batteries, citing their small size and specialized power needs. This decision means consumers might not see an option for easily swapping batteries in these devices anytime soon. The exemption acknowledges the technical challenges in designing such features for these compact gadgets, which are designed for constant wear and typically rely on long-lasting, non-removable batteries. This move has implications for consumer convenience and the ongoing debate about electronic waste management.