Apple Adds Energy and Battery Labels to iPhone and iPad Pages in EU
Apple Complies with EU Regulations: Energy Efficiency Labels for iPhones and iPads
Following a new European Union regulation (link to regulation), Apple has begun displaying energy efficiency labels on its iPhone and iPad product pages within the EU. This new law, effective June 20, 2025 (link to news article), mandates that these labels are displayed online and included as a printed version in the packaging of devices sold within the European Union.
Understanding the Energy Efficiency Label
The label itself uses a familiar A-G grading system, with 'A' representing the highest energy efficiency and 'G' the lowest. This grading is determined based on testing parameters established by the EU. However, Apple has noted some ambiguities within these testing methods, as detailed in a comprehensive document (link to Apple's 44-page document). To address these uncertainties and ensure consistent grading across different testing interpretations, Apple has proactively taken a conservative approach.
While initial testing indicated that all current iPhone models met the criteria for an 'A' rating, Apple has voluntarily downgraded the rating to 'B'. This precautionary measure aims to minimize any potential discrepancies should a third-party testing agency interpret the EU regulations differently, leading to lower ratings. This conservative approach applies not only to the energy efficiency index but also to the device's "Repeated Free Fall Reliability Class".
More Than Just Energy Efficiency
The new label provides more information than just energy efficiency. It also includes crucial details about the device's battery performance, repairability, durability, and other key features. This information includes:
- Battery Life: The estimated battery life per full charge cycle.
- Repairability Grade: A score indicating how easily the device can be repaired.
- Impact Resistance: A measure of the device's resilience to drops and impacts.
- Ingress Protection Rating (IP): Details on the device's water and dust resistance.
- Charge Cycle Rating: The number of full charge cycles the battery is designed to withstand before significant degradation.
It's important to note that all these metrics are based on Apple's interpretation of the EU's testing procedures, given the aforementioned ambiguities.
Accessing the Energy Label
Consumers in the EU can easily find this information. A distinctive icon on Apple's product pages for iPhones and iPads within EU localized websites clearly indicates where to find the energy label. This label is visible both on the main product marketing pages and the purchase page for each eligible device.
Additional Product Information
Beyond the energy label, Apple also provides a detailed product information sheet (PDF) containing even more comprehensive information. This includes:
- Battery Capacity (mAh): The total battery capacity in milliampere-hours.
- Screen Scratch Resistance (Mohs Hardness): A measure of the screen's scratch resistance based on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Security Update Guarantee: The minimum guaranteed timeframe for receiving security updates.
- And much more detailed specifications.
EU Database for Smartphone and Tablet Energy Labels
The European Commission also maintains a public database (link to the EU database) where consumers can find energy label information for smartphones and tablets sold within the EU. This offers an independent resource for comparison across different brands and models.
Further Information
For more in-depth information about the EU's energy efficiency labeling requirements for smartphones and tablets, please visit the European Commission's website (link to European Commission website).
EU Countries Included
This regulation applies to the following EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The labels are also displayed in Norway and Switzerland.
This article, "Apple Adds Energy and Battery Labels to iPhone and iPad Pages in EU" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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