Apple Adds EU Energy Labels to iPhones and iPads: What You Need to Know

In line with new European Union regulations that took effect this week, Apple has begun displaying official energy efficiency labels for iPhones and iPads on its websites and packaging across EU countries.

What Are These New Labels?

The new EU-mandated labels grade each device from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on energy use and several other durability and repairability metrics. Apple has added these labels to the product pages for all iPhones and iPads currently sold in the EU, as well as to physical packaging for newly manufactured devices.

The label includes six key metrics:

• Energy efficiency per charge
• Battery lifespan (full charge cycles)
• Battery endurance per charge (hours of use)
• Repairability rating
• Ingress protection (water and dust resistance)
• Impact resistance (drop durability)

Users can access the label by clicking a colorful tag icon on Apple’s localized product pages. A downloadable PDF information sheet is also available, offering additional technical data like battery capacity (in mAh), screen scratch resistance (Mohs scale), and the minimum number of years the device will receive security updates.

Apple's Conservative Approach

While Apple fully complies with the regulation, it has expressed concern over the ambiguity of the EU’s testing criteria. In a detailed 44-page technical document, Apple explains that while its current iPhones qualify for the top grade “A” in energy efficiency, the company voluntarily downgraded the score to “B” out of an “abundance of caution.”

Apple applied a similar approach to durability scores, particularly for drop resistance. The company raised concerns that the EU’s standardized impact tests may not accurately reflect real-world durability due to variables like testing materials and environments.

Where These Labels Apply

The new labels are displayed on Apple’s websites and device packaging in all EU countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, as well as in Norway and Switzerland.

Why It Matters

This move brings more transparency to Apple’s product lineup in Europe, allowing consumers to make informed choices based on energy use, repairability, and device longevity. While Apple is cautious about how these grades are determined, the initiative aligns with broader EU efforts to promote sustainability and product transparency in consumer electronics.

You can explore the full range of labels on Apple’s regional websites or via the European Commission’s online database for smartphones and tablets.