I recently came across the EU's new regulation set to take effect in February 2027, requiring smartphones with removable batteries. It suddenly struck me how this logic intersects with the crypto world.

First, let's go over the details: Starting in 2027, mobile phones and tablets sold in Europe must allow users to safely replace their batteries themselves. Instruction manuals must be permanently available, and manufacturers must guarantee spare parts availability for at least five years at reasonable prices. Apple is already designing removable back covers, so this isn't a choice but a mandatory requirement.

But what's truly interesting is the underlying logic clash. There's an old saying in the crypto market: "History doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes." This new battery regulation is essentially a battle for user control—similar to what the crypto world learned from Mt.Gox's collapse: "If you don't control your private keys, your assets aren't truly yours." The consumer electronics industry is heading down the same path: when you can't replace the battery, the device's lifespan is in the hands of the manufacturer. You think you're buying a product, but in reality, you're just leasing it long-term.

In recent years, self-custody has seen a resurgence in crypto, accelerated by FTX's collapse. A lot of funds are flowing back into hardware wallets and self-managed solutions, driven by one core idea: take back control. Now, consumer electronics are experiencing the same awakening—users realize they have no say over even the most basic device functions and are starting to push back. The right to replace a battery may seem trivial, but it embodies the core demand: "My device, my rules."