If a new European Union draft proposal passes, Apple and other smartphone makers will be required to provide spare parts for at least five years from the date of a device’s introduction and ensure longer battery life.
As reported by the Financial Times, the proposals would require at least 15 different components to be made available, while batteries should survive at least 500 full charges without deteriorating to below 83% of capacity.
Any phones sold in EU countries will also be required to display an energy efficiency label, similar to those used on appliances. The labels would show expected battery life and other information.
The draft regulations would apply to mobile phones and tablets and are aimed at making hardware more repairable and recyclable, allegedly cutting the energy consumption in device production and use by a third.
Currently, Apple allows iPhone, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac owners to obtain service and parts from Apple service providers for a minimum of five years from when Apple last offered the device for sale.
