Apple is reportedly working on a new generation of Apple Pencil, which could be released in spring 2027 alongside new iPad Pro models. The timing is less interesting than the likely reason for this technological innovation: an EU law could force Apple to make the battery replaceable for the first time. A closer look at the fine print reveals why this date would not be a coincidence.
Little has changed with the Apple Pencil in recent years – but that could be about to change. According to a report, Apple is currently developing several new stylus models, which are expected to launch alongside a new generation of iPad Pro in spring 2027. This would reportedly affect both the Apple Pencil (USB-C) and the Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback and pinch gesture. The real news, however, lies within: Both are said to be receiving a new, user-replaceable battery system. The impetus for this development reportedly lies not in Cupertino, but in Brussels.
What is expected for the new models
According to Bloomberg, Apple would continue its stylus lineup in its current structure: a more affordable model with a USB-C port and a Pro model with wireless charging. The main innovation would be the battery design, which would allow users to replace the battery themselves.
This is far from being officially confirmed. The timeframe also remains vague: Spring 2027 is considered a likely window, because new iPad Pro models are expected then anyway – a date that fits into the expected iPad roadmap, in which an iPad Pro update is placed more likely in 2027 than 2026.
Why current models don't allow battery replacement
Today's Apple Pencils are virtually impossible to open. The battery is charged either via the USB-C port or – in the Pro model – wirelessly once the stylus magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad. If the battery's health deteriorates over the years, there is practically no way to replace the cell.
This is due to the design: Plenty of adhesive holds the components together inside, and the pens simply aren't designed to be disassembled and reassembled. For an accessory that costs around 95 to 149 euros depending on the model, this is unsatisfactory – if the battery weakens, the only option is to buy a new one.
The EU law behind the possible change of course
The crucial element is Article 11 of the EU Battery Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542), which governs the "removability and interchangeability of device batteries." The regulation entered into force in 2023, but this article will only become applicable on February 18, 2027. From then on, a device battery will only be considered interchangeable if it can be easily removed by the end user and replaced with a comparable battery at any time during the product's entire lifespan – using standard tools and without damaging the device or the battery. This same deadline is also driving the debate surrounding mandatory replaceable batteries in iPhones. Permanently glued-in batteries will thus go from being the norm to an exception requiring justification.
While the rule primarily targets smartphones, its scope extends significantly further. It also covers accessories with built-in batteries – including styluses, keyboards, mice, and headphones. The regulation only provides exceptions where safety, medical applications, or a specific design for humid environments preclude its application.
Why the date would not be a coincidence
This brings us full circle: The rumored market launch in spring 2027 would fall immediately after the deadline of February 18, 2027. A new Apple Pencil placed on the market in the EU after this date would have to meet the requirements – the timeline thus aligns remarkably well with the legal situation. Should developments actually proceed in this direction, it would not be a voluntary repair initiative, but rather compliance with regulatory obligations.
What's remarkable here is the distribution of roles. While EU law restricts Apple's functionality in other areas, and users in Germany and Austria have recently had to wait for updates, here it works in the opposite direction: it could force a more durable, repairable product. Although the regulation doesn't apply to Switzerland due to its lack of EU membership, experience with the switch to USB-C suggests that Apple will roll out a single, adapted design worldwide rather than producing two versions.
The more difficult cases in the Apple product range
The Apple Pencil would likely be the relatively simple case: a cylindrical stylus with a clearly defined cell can plausibly be designed so that the battery can be removed. The AirPods case would be significantly more difficult – with miniaturized earbuds, it's currently almost impossible to imagine how a user-replaceable battery could be technically implemented without fundamentally redesigning the product.
How far Apple's adjustments will ultimately go remains to be seen. For iPhones, the company is likely already close to complying with the regulations through its self-repair program. However, the actual review of accessories is still pending – and the next Apple Pencil would be the first visible test case of how Apple translates the new legal situation into hardware. (Image: Shutterstock / SU HSUN)
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