EU Battery Regulation: This EU rule may let you replace your phone battery yourself from 2027

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 21, 2026 | Technology

Most of the phones and tablets that we have today come with sealed designs, with batteries glued into place and difficult to remove or replace. That could begin to change from 2027.

Under the European Union’s battery regulation, phones, tablets and cordless mobile phones will need to be designed so that batteries can be removed and replaced without damaging the device or the battery itself. The rule is set to kick in from February 18, 2027, and could mark a shift away from tightly sealed hardware that has dominated device design for more than a decade.

EU battery regulation: What has been mandated

The regulation introduces clear requirements for how batteries must be designed within devices.

At its core, batteries must be both removable and replaceable. This means users should be able to take them out safely without damaging the device, and swap them with another unit without affecting performance or safety.

For end users, this process must be possible using commercially available tools—or no tools at all. Manufacturers cannot rely on proprietary or specialised tools unless these are provided free of charge with the product. In practical terms, this means users should be able to replace batteries themselves without having to depend on authorised service centres. READ: Products launched during Tim Cook’s reign that shaped Apple’s evolution

The rules define an “end user” as an adult without specialised technical training, indicating that the process is meant to be accessible even to non-expert users. However, it may not be as simple as the removable battery systems seen in older feature phones.

For certain categories, such as batteries used in light means of transport (LMT), replacement may be carried out by independent professionals. In such cases, manufacturers must ensure that any required tools are available at a reasonable and non-discriminatory price.

Which devices will be affected

As per official documents, the key affected devices include mobile phones, cordless phones and slate tablets. The focus is on products where batteries are currently glued or sealed in place, making removal difficult.

More than just a repair rule

While the most visible change is around repairability, the regulation extends beyond that. It includes provisions related to the safe handling and disposal of batteries, and aims to ensure that removed batteries are directed to proper collection and treatment systems.

The broader objective is to reduce waste and improve how batteries are managed across their lifecycle.

When will the rules take effect

The EU battery regulation entered into force in August 2023 and will be implemented in phases. The requirements on removability and replaceability will apply from February 18, 2027.

Why this could affect India

Although the regulation applies within the European Union, its impact is unlikely to remain limited to the region. Manufacturers typically avoid creating separate hardware designs for different markets due to cost and supply chain complexity. As a result, devices designed to meet EU requirements are often rolled out globally.

A similar shift was seen with USB-C charging ports. After the EU mandated the standard, companies began adopting it across markets, with similar rules later introduced in India.

If this pattern continues, consumers in markets such as India could also see devices that are easier to repair.

Takeaway

The EU’s upcoming battery rule is not just a regulatory change, but a potential reset in how devices are designed and maintained. For consumers, it could mean devices that are easier to repair, more durable, and longer-lasting.

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Apple bets new CEO John Ternus will bring back Jobs-era decisiveness

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 21, 2026 | Technology

By Mark Gurman

When Apple Inc. announced Monday that longtime leader Tim Cook would be replaced by John Ternus, it published an image of the two executives walking side by side at the company’s campus in Cupertino, California.

But Ternus will have a challenge when he officially takes the job in September. Even as he maintains Apple’s device empire — and its more than $400 billion in annual revenue — the executive will need to take chances, enter new product categories and find the company’s footing in artificial intelligence.

None of that will be easy, and the ability to “think different” will determine whether Apple can keep thriving in the AI era.

“He must resist the temptation of incrementalism that has plagued Apple of late,” Forrester Research Inc. analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee said in a note. “As Ternus assumes the helm, he must define Apple’s future as ferociously as he defends its past.”

Moving Faster

To succeed, Ternus will need to keep what works — operational discipline and calm leadership — while breaking from the consensus-driven decision-making that has defined Cook’s tenure. He will also need to move faster, sharpen Apple’s competitiveness in AI and deliver new hardware hits.

Cook did oversee the launch of groundbreaking products, including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Vision Pro headset, but the track record is mixed. The watch and earbuds became enormous successes, though both emerged while key members of his predecessor’s leadership and engineering teams were still at the company.

The Vision Pro — long envisioned by Cook as a capstone product — has flopped, despite a decade of development and billions in investment. Apple also spent roughly $10 billion on an autonomous-car project that was ultimately scrapped. In both cases, Ternus’ instincts appear to have been more cautious; he opposed the initiatives to varying degrees.

Where Ternus has excelled is execution. He has ensured that Apple consistently delivers updated versions of the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch each year, while improving hardware quality, durability and performance — hallmarks of his stint as hardware chief.

Ternus, 50, also was a champion of the MacBook Neo, a product that broke with Apple’s typical premium-minded approach. He urged the company to sell a cheaper laptop that could appeal to a younger generation, and his instincts were rewarded. The colorful $599 machine — unveiled last month — won rave reviews and quickly sold out.

This was the beginning of Ternus putting his stamp on the company, but he’ll now have to lead Apple into additional new categories. The tech giant is currently focused on two main areas of expansion: AI-powered smart home products and wearable devices.

The home push includes a smart display with facial recognition, a tabletop robot with a swiveling display for videoconferencing and media playback, and a privacy-focused security camera. The wearables effort spans smart glasses, a pendant device and new AirPods, all with computer-vision cameras for scanning a wearer’s surroundings.

Slow Headway

So far, progress has been uneven. Apple had hoped to introduce smart glasses as early as this year, but the product remains months away from readiness, potentially pushing a debut into 2027. Its home devices have also been delayed as Apple struggles to get its AI models and next-generation Siri voice assistant up to par. The tabletop robot, once targeted for 2027, is now at risk of slipping into 2028.

Fixing Apple’s AI execution is critical. Delays are no longer just technical — they’re starting to affect the company’s ability to ship hardware that drives upgrades and revenue.

Apple picked Ternus, in part, because of his age and belief that he could reinvent Apple’s product lineup and compete against AI-savvy competitors. He is likely to keep a sharper focus on products and rely on deputies like Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan to help him run the business.

Decision-Making Style

Apple also is betting that Ternus has a more decisive leadership style — something closer to that of co-founder Steve Jobs. Longtime colleagues describe Ternus as someone willing to make clear calls, in contrast to Cook’s more deliberative, consensus-oriented approach.

“Ternus will make decisions” when it comes to product development, said one person who has worked closely with both executives. “If you go to Tim with ‘A’ or ‘B,’ he won’t pick. He’ll ask a series of questions instead if he has concerns.”

Ternus, on the other hand, will choose, said the person, who asked not to be identified in order to speak candidly. “It could be right or wrong, but at least it’s a decision.”

That shift could mark the end of an era in which major product decisions were made collectively by a small group of top executives. Ternus is expected to take a more centralized approach where he will be a singular decision-maker.

Cook, meanwhile, will stay on as executive chairman, focusing on government relations and geopolitics — including Apple’s ties to China and its relationship with US President Donald Trump. Colleagues say that while Ternus can be a smooth talker, he’s not yet ready to take the mantle from Cook as the person dealing with policymakers globally.

The September transition positions Ternus to begin his tenure with momentum. He will oversee the launch of Apple’s first foldable iPhone — one of the most significant changes to the product in its history — alongside a much-needed fresh start for Siri.

Earlier this month, Ternus overhauled the hardware engineering organization around what he calls a new AI platform designed to speed up product development and improve device quality. It’s indicative of his plan to deploy AI quickly throughout the company to improve its operations.

The executive has told staffers that he will remain closely involved with hardware engineering efforts, aiming to shepherd the next generation of technologies.

That is the crux of the job ahead. Apple no longer needs another operator. It’s seeking a leader who can define what comes next.

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Who is John Ternus, the 25-year veteran at Apple set to be next CEO

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 21, 2026 | Technology

In a surprise move on late Monday, Apple Inc CEO Tim Cook announced that he would step down from the position in September and named John Ternus the next CEO. Cook will transition to executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors later this year.

Currently, the vice president of Hardware Engineering, Ternus, will take over as CEO from September 1 this year. “I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” Ternus said in a company press release.

This will be the first leadership appointment at Apple in 15 years since Tim Cook took over the CEO role from co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011. Just a month ago, Cook had refuted speculation of stepping down and said in an interview, “I love what I do deeply.”

Who is John Ternus?

Apple on Monday said that Ternus’s transition was ‘a thoughtful, long-term succession planning process’. Ternus has been central to Apple’s hardware engineering growth, having assumed the role of vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. In 2021, he joined the executive team as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering. Ternus has spent 25 years at Apple, first joining the company’s product design team in 2001. Prior to joining Apple, Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer with Virtual Research Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

He has been instrumental in the introduction of multiple new product lines at Apple, including iPad and AirPods, as well as many generations of products across iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Cook, in the company’s press release, described Ternus as a visionary who “has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor… he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future.”

Ternus helped Mac become “more powerful and more popular globally than at any time in its 40-year history,” including the recent introduction of MacBook Neo, making the category more accessible to people worldwide.

According to Bloomberg, Ternus reorganised the hardware engineering division this month to operate with a new AI platform. He is also leading the charge on a trio of new AI-focused wearables and new home devices, Bloomberg added.

Ternus’s transition to the CEO role comes at a time of intense pressure to catch up in AI, an area where Apple is seen as lagging. It will be under his watch that Apple will likely launch products in new categories like a foldable iPhone, a smart home hub and smart glasses powered by an upgraded Siri.

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India's smartphone market hits six-year low as memory costs surge: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 21, 2026 | Technology

India’s smartphone market contracted in the first quarter of calendar year 2026, as rising component costs, particularly memory, and weakening demand began to impact shipments and pricing across segments. According to Counterpoint, shipments declined 3 per cent year-on-year in Q1 CY2026, marking the weakest quarter for the market in the past six years.

The slowdown comes despite increased launch activity, with brands advancing nearly one-third of their model launches to the quarter in an attempt to offset rising bill of materials (BOM) costs driven by memory prices and currency fluctuations.

Dip in the Indian smartphone market

India’s smartphone shipments declined 3 per cent year-on-year in Q1 CY2026, marking their weakest quarter in the last six years, according to Counterpoint Research’s Monthly India Smartphone Tracker. This comes on the back of a mixed performance over the previous two quarters.

In the last quarter of CY2025, India’s smartphone shipments declined 4 per cent on year-on-year basis. Counterpoint research stated that this was mainly due to a seasonal post-festive demand slowdown, which was further aggravated by price hikes linked to rising memory costs.

In contrast, the market had grown 5 per cent year-on-year by volume and 18 per cent year-on-year by value in Q3 CY2025, marking its highest-ever quarterly value, likely driven by strong festive demand and sustained traction in the premium segment.

Despite the Q1 CY2026 decline, brand-level performance remained active.

Vivo (excluding iQOO) led the market with a 21 per cent share. Samsung secured the second position, likely driven by demand for its A-series models and traction for the Galaxy S26 series.

OPPO retained the third position with a 14 per cent share and recorded 8 per cent year-on-year growth, making it the fastest-growing brand among the top five. Xiaomi (including POCO) ranked fourth, with strong performance in the Rs 10,000–Rs 20,000 segment.

Realme also saw strong traction in the Rs 10,000–Rs 20,000 segment, particularly in online channels, ranking among the top two brands in that category.

Apple’s shipment share reached 9 per cent in Q1 2026, supported by sustained demand for the iPhone 17 series and financing offers such as long-term EMIs and exchange deals.

Among other brands, Nothing (including CMF) emerged as the fastest-growing overall, growing 47 per cent year-on-year, while Google recorded 39 per cent growth in the premium segment (above Rs 45,000).

Possible reasons for the dip

The decline in shipments is driven by rising costs and weakening consumer demand, with memory inflation emerging as the central issue.

“The market is facing a clear affordability squeeze, driven by sharp memory-led cost inflation and currency pressures that have forced OEMs to raise prices across key models,” said Counterpoint Senior Analyst Prachir Singh.

He added that “with average hikes exceeding Rs 1,500, the sub-Rs 15,000 segment has been hit the hardest, given its high price sensitivity.”

Beyond component costs, macroeconomic factors are also playing a role. Singh noted that “rising energy costs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are further straining household budgets, pushing consumers to prioritise essentials over discretionary purchases like smartphones.”

This combination of higher prices and reduced spending power is extending upgrade cycles, particularly in the mass segment, delaying recovery.

Why is there a memory shortage?

At the centre of these cost pressures is a prolonged global shortage of memory chips, particularly DRAM and NAND, which are critical components in smartphones.

According to a Nikkei Asia report, supply constraints are expected to persist as major manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron struggle to scale production fast enough. These three companies together account for around 90 per cent of the global DRAM market.

The report noted that “a shortage of memory chips appears likely to continue until around 2027,” with production increases expected to meet only about 60 per cent of demand.

One of the key reasons is a shift in industry priorities. Memory manufacturers are increasingly focusing on high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is used in AI infrastructure and offers higher margins. This has diverted capacity away from general-purpose memory used in smartphones and PCs.

While Samsung is preparing to bring additional fabrication capacity online at its Pyeongtaek facility, full-scale mass production is not expected until 2027 or later. Similarly, SK Hynix has begun ramping up production at new facilities, while Micron is planning expansions in the US and Asia — but most of these will only contribute meaningfully from 2027 onwards.

Even where new fabs are being built, scaling production takes time due to yield challenges and technical complexity. As a result, supply remains constrained in the near term.

This imbalance has led to sharp price increases. Memory prices for early 2026 are estimated to be “up roughly 90 per cent on the quarter,” with memory now accounting for up to 20 per cent of the cost of low-end smartphones — a figure that could rise to nearly 40 per cent by mid-2026.

When can the market recover?

The outlook suggests that the pressure on smartphone shipments is likely to continue in the near term.

“India’s smartphone market is expected to remain under pressure in the near term, with Q2 2026 likely to see a double-digit decline,” said Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak.

For the full year, the market is projected to decline by around 10 per cent year-on-year, as sustained component cost inflation — particularly in memory, which has already increased fourfold over the past three quarters — continues to impact affordability.

A broader recovery will depend on easing memory supply constraints. However, industry estimates suggest that supply-demand balance may not normalise until 2028, as new production capacity comes online gradually and AI-driven demand continues to absorb a significant portion of output.

Until then, brands are expected to focus on premium segments, tighter portfolio strategies and channel efficiency, while the mass market continues to see slower and uneven recovery.

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Oura Ring 4 changed how I track my health, but brings its own challenges

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 21, 2026 | Technology

Smartwatches have become central to personal health tracking, but their approach often relies on continuous engagement. Notifications, reminders, and activity prompts demand attention throughout the day. While these features serve a purpose, they also create a layer of interruption that can feel persistent over time.

The shift to the Oura Ring 4 represents a move away from this model. Instead of active prompting, the device focuses on passive monitoring. It operates without visual distractions, positioning itself as a device that observes rather than intervenes. This difference in approach defines the experience from the outset.

However, moving health tracking from the wrist to the finger is not a direct transition. It introduces both functional and physical adjustments that become apparent during extended use.

Design: New form factor requires adjustment

Despite its lightweight construction, the ring maintains a noticeable thickness. Its presence is felt when fingers come into contact during routine actions such as typing, gripping objects, or holding a steering wheel. Unlike a smartwatch, which can be adjusted through its strap, the ring is fixed in size. This creates a limitation. Finger size changes throughout the day due to factors such as temperature and hydration. A fit that feels correct at one time may become restrictive later. The lack of adjustability also prevents switching between fingers to manage comfort.

During testing, prolonged wear resulted in visible skin irritation, including a mark resembling a burn. While the ring uses non-visible infrared LEDs, continuous skin contact, combined with heat and moisture, can lead to irritation in some cases. This highlights the physical impact of a device designed for constant wear.

Sensor intelligence and data interpretation

Beneath its minimal exterior, the Oura Ring 4 integrates a dense array of sensors. The system uses multiple signal pathways to measure metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature.

One of the challenges with ring-based tracking is movement. Unlike a watch, a ring can rotate during use. Oura said it addresses this through its sensing system, which adapts to positional changes and continues to capture reliable data. The result is a set of metrics that align closely with physical condition.

This is most evident in the Readiness Score. The score reflects recovery status based on multiple inputs, including sleep quality and heart rate variability. In practice, the score often corresponds with how the body feels, reinforcing confidence in the data interpretation.

Core strength: Sleep tracking

Sleep tracking remains the primary focus of the Oura Ring 4. Rather than measuring duration alone, the system analyses sleep stages, including Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and deep sleep.

The device also tracks oxygen saturation and heart rate during sleep, with additional capability to detect breathing irregularities. While not intended as a clinical tool, this functionality can indicate potential issues such as sleep disruption patterns.

The accuracy of sleep stage detection and the depth of analysis position this feature as a central part of the overall experience.

Heart Health Metrics

The Oura Ring 4 extends its focus to heart health, with particular emphasis on heart rate variability (HRV). HRV is measured during sleep and contributes significantly to the Readiness Score.

Changes in HRV can indicate stress, fatigue, or early signs of illness. In practice, this metric functions as an early signal, often aligning with physical symptoms that appear later.

Another feature is cardiovascular age estimation, derived from arterial stiffness and pulse wave analysis. This provides a broader perspective on long-term health rather than short-term activity levels.

Activity Tracking

The Oura Ring 4 approaches activity tracking differently from most wearables. It does not focus on real-time metrics such as pace or distance tracking for endurance sports. Instead, it identifies and logs activities automatically, covering a wide range of movements, from walking to household tasks.

During recorded workouts, the ring provides heart rate zones, offering insight into intensity levels. The system also includes a dynamic adjustment feature. If recovery indicators are low, daily activity targets are reduced accordingly.

This approach contrasts with devices that maintain fixed targets regardless of physical condition. It shifts the focus from meeting predefined goals to aligning activity with recovery status.

Oura app

The Oura app serves as the central interface for all data and insights. It organises information into three primary categories: Sleep, Readiness, and Activity. This structure simplifies access to complex biometric data.

The app also includes an AI-based feature known as Oura Advisor. This tool allows users to interact with their health data through conversational prompts, generating insights based on recorded metrics.

A timeline feature automatically records activities, rest periods, and sleep, creating a continuous log of health-related behaviour. This reduces the need for manual input and supports long-term tracking.

Pricing and the subscription model

In India, the Oura Ring 4 is positioned within the premium segment. Pricing varies by finish:

Silver and Black: ₹28,900

Gold, Stealth, and Rose Gold: ₹39,900

In addition to the hardware cost, access to full features requires a subscription priced at ₹599 per month.

This model differentiates Oura from several competitors that offer a one-time purchase structure. The subscription reflects the company’s focus on data processing and software-driven insights. For users seeking detailed analysis, this may justify the cost. For others, it introduces an ongoing expense that affects overall value.

Verdict

The Oura Ring 4 presents a different approach to health tracking. It reduces reliance on notifications and focuses on long-term physiological trends. Its strength lies in sleep analysis, recovery insights, and data interpretation.

At the same time, the physical design introduces constraints related to fit and comfort, and the subscription model adds a recurring cost. The device does not aim to replace feature-rich wearables but instead offers a focused alternative.

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Products launched during Tim Cook's reign that shaped Apple's evolution

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 21, 2026 | Technology

While Tim Cook is set to step down as Apple CEO in September, he will leave behind a tenure defined by several key moments in the company’s evolution. From turning wearables into a core business with the Apple Watch and AirPods to shifting Macs to Apple Silicon, Cook’s time at Apple has been shaped by a series of product decisions that steadily expanded the company’s ecosystem. Even the iPhone, long seen as a finished idea, continued to evolve under his leadership with changes like the iPhone X redesign.

Cook took over as CEO in 2011 following Steve Jobs, inheriting a company built around a few defining products and guiding it into a broader, more interconnected ecosystem spanning devices, services and platforms.

Apple Watch (2015)

The Apple Watch, launched in 2015, marked Apple’s entry into the wearables segment. Initially positioned as a companion device, it gradually evolved into a health-focused product.

Over time, features such as ECG, blood oxygen monitoring and fall detection turned it into a serious health and fitness tool. The Apple Watch helped bring wearables into the mainstream and expanded Apple’s ecosystem beyond smartphones.

AirPods (2016)

While some companies had begun experimenting with wireless earbuds around 2014, wired earphones were still the norm at the time.

Apple changed this in 2016 with the launch of the first-generation AirPods. These earbuds removed the need for wires entirely, helping popularise the true wireless category. Over the years, Apple has added features such as spatial audio, live translation and heart rate monitoring.

iPhone X (2017)

The launch of the iPhone X in 2017 marked a major shift in Apple’s smartphone design. It was the first iPhone to remove the home button, introducing an edge-to-edge OLED display, gesture-based navigation and Face ID.

The iPhone X went on to set the template for modern smartphones, with its full-screen design and gesture controls becoming widely adopted across the industry.

Multiple iPhone models strategy (post-2017)

Following the iPhone X, Apple moved away from launching a single flagship each year and began introducing multiple models within the same lineup. This included variants such as the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.

This approach later evolved into the standard, Pro and Pro Max lineup, allowing Apple to cater to different price segments while maintaining its premium positioning. The strategy has since become a key part of the company’s growth.

Apple Silicon Macs (2020)

Apple’s shift to in-house chips in 2020, starting with the M1, marked a fundamental change in how Macs were built. By moving away from Intel processors to Apple Silicon, the company brought Macs onto the same architecture as the iPhone and iPad.

This transition was not just about performance. It enabled tighter integration between hardware and software, allowing features such as instant wake, compatibility with iPhone and iPad apps, and significantly improved battery life.

MacBooks began offering all-day battery while also running cooler and quieter compared to Intel-based models. The move also gave Apple greater control over its chip roadmap, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers and enabling faster iteration cycles.

AirTags (2021)

With the launch of AirTag in 2021, Apple entered the item tracking segment. The device allows users to locate everyday objects through the Find My network.

Features such as Precision Finding, powered by Ultra Wideband technology, helped differentiate the product. AirTags extended Apple’s ecosystem into more practical, everyday use cases.

Vision Pro (2024)

The Apple Vision Pro marked Apple’s entry into spatial computing, while also introducing a different way of interacting with devices. Instead of controllers, the headset relies on eye tracking, hand gestures and voice input.

It places apps within a three-dimensional interface, creating what Apple describes as an “infinite canvas,” where windows can be arranged, resized and used side by side beyond the limits of a traditional display.

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