The UK Government has confirmed plans to extend Right to Repair legislation to cover smartphones and tablets, with the new rules coming into force on 1 July 2027. The changes will require manufacturers to make spare parts available for seven years after a device is last sold, and mandate designs that make battery replacement possible for independent repair shops.
The announcement, made by the Department for Business and Trade, follows the similar Ecodesign for Smartphones regulation that took effect in the European Union in June 2025. UK alignment had been expected, though manufacturers had lobbied hard for a delayed implementation.
What the new rules require
7-year parts availability: Manufacturers must supply spare parts (screens, batteries, cameras, charging ports, microphones, speakers) for at least 7 years after the model is discontinued
Priority for professional repairers: Parts must be available to certified independent repair shops at non-punitive wholesale prices
Battery replacement: Devices must allow battery replacement using commonly available tools, or manufacturers must commit to battery replacement service at reasonable cost for 7 years
Software support: Minimum 5 years of security updates from end of sale (some devices already exceed this)
Repair documentation: Service manuals and schematics must be made available to authorised repairers
Durability labelling: New devices must carry a durability score on the packaging, similar to energy efficiency labels
Industry reaction
Major manufacturers have expressed mixed views. Apple, which recently expanded its Self Service Repair programme in the UK, welcomed the legislation in principle but warned that some design constraints may push up device prices. Samsung, which already commits to 7 years of software support on its flagship lineup, described the rules as "a reasonable evolution of existing commitments."
Smaller brands have been more vocal. Nothing founder Carl Pei told the BBC that "the parts availability requirement is a significant operational burden for younger companies" and called for a tiered system that scales requirements with manufacturer size.
Which devices qualify?
Any smartphone or tablet sold in the UK on or after 1 July 2027 must comply with the full regulations. Devices already on sale before that date are exempt, though manufacturers are required to continue honouring any warranty and repair commitments made at time of purchase.
The Government has indicated that the regulations may be extended to smartwatches and wearables at a later date, following consultation in 2028.
What it means for consumers
| Before 2027 | From July 2027 |
|---|---|
| Parts available at manufacturer discretion | 7-year parts commitment enforced |
| Limited independent repair support | Independent shops receive parts and tools |
| Battery replacement often difficult or costly | Designs must support reasonable battery swap |
| Software updates vary 2-7 years | Minimum 5 years mandatory |
| No durability information at purchase | Durability score on every device box |
Environmental impact
The UK disposes of approximately 20 million smartphones each year, according to the Environment Agency. Just 15% of those are properly recycled, with the majority ending up in landfill or drawers. Right to Repair advocates argue that extending average device lifespan from the current 3 years to 5-6 years would cut UK smartphone emissions by around 30%.
Campaign group Restart Project welcomed the announcement but called for sharper enforcement mechanisms, arguing that the EU's equivalent rules have been "inconsistently implemented by some global brands."
What happens next
Draft statutory instruments are expected to be laid before Parliament in summer 2026, with industry consultation running until the end of the year. Manufacturers have until 1 January 2027 to submit compliance plans, and the rules take full effect six months later on 1 July 2027.
For UK buyers, the practical benefit is simple: smartphones bought from mid-2027 onwards will be genuinely easier and cheaper to repair, and will last longer before needing replacement. That's a good thing for wallets and the planet alike.