The first requirement is that, within 2-4 months of their release, all phones running these ecosystems that are sold in the European Union must be compatible with security and significant Android and iOS version updates. If the EC has its way, every single phone, even the Galaxy A03, would need to be upgraded before Christmas because Google launched Android 13 on August 15. Even more quickly, security fixes must be made available within two months of a vulnerability’s discovery and Google’s subsequent update release. Additionally, significant OS updates will require at least 3 years of software maintenance, while security patches would require 5 years.
The European Commission has released a proposal that requires the mobile OS version and security update speeds, as well as the phones’ ease of repairability, with requirements that go above and beyond any right-to-repair the US has so far, with adoption by year’s end. The European Commission is currently leading the way in standardisation for Android and iOS phone makers in the interest of the consumer.
Highlights
The possibility to fix mobile phones purchased in the EU is the second significant suggestion. For at least five years after a model is dropped by the manufacturer, repair shops should have access to the original battery, display, cameras, charging ports, mechanical buttons, microphones, speakers, and hinges for foldable phones. Additionally, buyers of phones will need to gain access to a sizable portion of that parts bonanza for repairs, including screens, SIM trays, mics, hinges, and ports, along with spread-out, in-depth schematics on how to replace each one separately, should they choose to do so.
Apple’s iOS devices and the majority of the top Android makers have already committed to comparable plans, so they won’t face too much resistance here. Samsung has even gone further by committing to at least four years of Android updates and five years of security updates, so the new rules would not be a concern for the largest manufacturer of Android handsets.
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The batteries are receiving special treatment because their replacement is being left to the stores, but the phone manufacturer should be giving them originals or substitutes that meet the 500 charging cycle standard, meaning that they should still have at least 83% of their charge after 500 cycles and 80% after 1000. The OnePlus 10T or Oppo Find X5 Pro are the best phones available in that category, and both have fast-charging batteries that can maintain 80% charge even after 1600 full cycles, which is an astounding feat and far beyond what the European Commission will be mandating.