8 sustainable highlights from MWC 2026 that are transforming the reuse market

MWC Barcelona 2026 presents eight breakthroughs that extend product lifecycles and reduce e-waste:

• EU Battery Directive comes into force February 2027 - Requires user-replaceable batteries with common tools and 800 charging cycles with 80% capacity retained

• 5-year software support becomes the new standard - Extends phone lifespans and saves consumers €98 per household by 2030

• Local AI without cloud dependency - Jolla Mind2 processes data locally and extends the usage time of older devices by shifting computational power

• Hardware-level privacy switches - Physical switches disconnect cameras and microphones directly at the circuit level, impossible to bypass programmatically

• Modular design returns - Jolla Phone 2026's The Other Half system allows users to upgrade functions without replacing the entire device

• Repairability in focus - EU requires spare parts for 7 years and delivery within 5-10 business days to professional repairers

Reuse creates a more circular economy where products are used again and again instead of being discarded after a few years.

Here, I will discuss how MWC 2026 demonstrates that the reuse market is facing its biggest transformation. From the first production run of 1000 units [33] to industry-wide design principles, we are seeing how the mobile industry is finally prioritizing reuse over disposable production.

These eight innovations together create conditions where products have a longer lifespan: local AI without cloud dependency, Swiss privacy, DeGoogled smartphones, modular design, replaceable batteries, extended software support, focus on repairability, and privacy switches.

Jolla Mind2 Personal AI Assistant - Local AI without cloud dependency

_{Image Source: TechCrunch}

What is Jolla Mind2

Jolla Mind2 was presented at MWC Barcelona 2026 as a compact personal server, about the size of a book. The device connects to your home or office network via WiFi or Ethernet, while your computer or phone accesses it from there [33]. Unlike cloud-based AI assistants, email, documents, messages, and contacts are processed and stored on hardware you physically own [33].

The Venho AI platform comes pre-installed, offering features like email triage, document analysis, and workflow automation that run continuously in the background without your computer needing to be on [33]. The system builds memory over time from your communications and handles requests locally without data leaving the device [33].

Technical specifications:

• Processor: RK3588 CPU with integrated NPU at 6 TOPS [33]

• Memory: 16GB RAM [33]

• Storage: 128GB eMMC, expandable via SSD and microSD [33]

• Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6 [33]

• Ports: 2x USB Type-A, 2x USB Type-C [33]

• Interfaces: 2x NVMe M.2, 40-pin GPIO, microSD and SIM card readers [33]

Environmental benefits through local processing

Mind2 uses 8-bit quantized LLM models like Llama 3.1 8B, optimized for edge devices [33]. This local processing eliminates reliance on third-party cloud infrastructure and therefore significantly reduces energy consumption compared to cloud-based solutions [33].

Research from RISE shows that AI systems account for 0.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions [33]. By developing energy-efficient AI systems with local processing, the climate impact of technology can be reduced, while small improvements in design and programming lead to significant energy savings [33].

When heavier tasks require more powerful AI models, the system can connect to external cloud models, but this is clearly indicated so you decide when a request leaves the device [33]. Color-coding for messages is planned to signal the level of data protection [33].

Extends the lifespan of existing equipment

Mind2 extends the lifespan of existing computers and smartphones by shifting computational power to a dedicated device. Professional users save an average of 2.5 hours daily on administrative tasks, which corresponds to 40+ hours monthly [33].

Why replace a perfectly functional computer when it can be given new life through external processing power? This makes older devices usable longer as they do not need to meet the same computational requirements.

The system supports several separate contexts on the same device, making it possible to manage multiple companies or clients with complete isolation between contexts [33]. For teams handling sensitive information, an Enterprise version configured for organizations of 20 to 100 people is offered [33].

Pricing and availability

Jolla Mind2 costs €699 including Finnish VAT of 25.5 percent, with local VAT applied at checkout [33]. The purchase includes 3 months of Venho AI subscription worth €29.97, thereafter €9.99 per month [33]. The device is sold and shipped within the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland [33].

Mind2 is primarily aimed at professionals who handle sensitive information daily: lawyers, doctors, accountants, consultants, and entrepreneurs [33]. Remote access via a private VPN connection enables secure access to the device and data from anywhere [33].

If you want to test Jolla's Sailfish operating system or the E/OS operating system, contact us and we will help you with a used DeGoogled mobile phone. Call 08-55926959 or send an email to hej@cirkulerad.se

Punkt MC02 - Swiss privacy meets sustainability

_{Image Source: TechCrunch}

What is Punkt MC02

Swiss data protection law forms the basis of MC02, a 5G smartphone designed in the country where privacy is a constitutional right [33]. Apostrophy OS powers the device, based on GrapheneOS and AOSP 13, creating an alternative to iOS and Android where user data never becomes a commodity [33] [33]. All user data is stored under Swiss jurisdiction with protections that exceed GDPR [33].

The phone separates secure and insecure environments through two home screens. The first contains protected tools such as email, calendar, contacts, notes, storage, and VPN under Swiss jurisdiction, free from ad-driven data collection systems [33]. On the next home screen, Google Play Store can be sideloaded, where apps run in a sandboxed environment completely isolated from the Apostrophy ecosystem [33]. The Privacy Bubble feature isolates each app with custom privacy controls, ensuring that private data is never shared without explicit consent [33].

Digital Nomad VPN is included in the system with three server locations: Germany, USA, and Japan [33] [33]. The combination of the VPN service and the Vanadium browser, a more secure Chrome variant, provides dual protection for network traffic [33].

Sustainable features and energy efficiency

The Carbon Ledger represents an industry novelty where the energy cost of phone use is displayed in real-time along with opportunities to reduce the digital carbon footprint [33][39]. The system uses two sliders: Carbon Reduction with three levels and Data Privacy with five levels [33] [35].

The Carbon Reduction dial controls battery life by aggressively closing apps that consume data and battery in the background. Level three provides the longest battery life with the strictest restrictions against background data usage [33]. The Data Privacy dial controls permission levels from 1 (all requested permissions allowed) to 5 (all permissions denied) [35].

The minimalist black-and-white home screen reduces power consumption, while the fact that data is not constantly transmitted to Google further improves energy efficiency [37]. The 5500 mAh battery performs exceptionally with a measured life of 10 hours and 51 minutes at full screen brightness in the PCMark 3.0 test [37]. Charging reaches a maximum of 16 watts, with an estimated nominal value of 25 watts [37].

The MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor with 6GB RAM powers the device, yet delays are experienced when opening apps and significant stuttering in basic apps [33]. NFC and wireless charging are included, while the fingerprint reader in the power button works well [33].

Impact on the reuse market

Guaranteed software support for at least five years significantly extends the device's lifespan [35]. The Apostrophy subscription is required for continuous protection, as privacy is not a one-time achievement but must be continuously maintained [35].

The reuse price shows the MC02's value retention. Reebelo offers certified refurbished units for SEK 4386.62, which corresponds to 70 percent lower carbon footprint compared to new production [38]. Professional cleaning, quality testing, and warranty are included along with 30 days of free returns [38].

Pricing and availability

The MC02 costs EUR 699 including free repairs and a one-year Apostrophy subscription [36]. After the first free year, the service costs CHF 14.99 per month or CHF 143.88 annually, which at the current exchange rate corresponds to SEK 185.01 and SEK 1775.42 respectively [33]. The Swedish price from Punkt's website is SEK 8225.11 [33].

The subscription includes 5GB cloud storage, email, calendar, Vanadium browser, Data and Carbon Ledger, Digital Nomad VPN, GMS Wizard, and Threema Messenger [31]. Consequently, users pay a monthly fee to keep information private instead of becoming the product themselves [36].

Murena HIROH Phone - DeGoogled smartphone for extended lifespan

_{Image Source: Murena}

What is the Murena HIROH Phone

The collaboration between HIROH and Murena resulted in the first smartphone to exclusively come with /e/OS pre-installed [39]. The operating system is based on Android 16 but has all data collection code removed to prevent Google from collecting personal information about internet usage and communication [40].

Here, the HIROH Phone differs from previous Murena devices like the Fairphone series by offering a newly developed hardware platform specifically designed for uncompromising privacy [41].

Two dedicated kill switches distinguish the device from other privacy phones. The first is a hardware switch that physically disconnects cameras and microphones at the circuit level [42]. The second immediately shuts off all wireless connections including 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC [43]. The phone only connects, listens, or sees when you decide [44].

The MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor powers the device with eight cores along with Mali-G615 MC6 graphics [39]. 16GB RAM and 512GB UFS4.x storage place the specifications in the flagship class [42]. The MicroSD card slot offers expansion up to 2TB of encrypted storage, something missing in most modern flagships [40].

The display measures 6.67 inches with AMOLED technology, 2712 x 1220 pixel resolution, and a 120 Hz refresh rate [39]. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the screen, which reaches 1800 nits of peak brightness [43]. The camera system combines a Samsung 108MP main sensor with a Sony 13MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and Sony 32MP front camera [45].

If you want to try Jolla's Sailfish operating system or the E/OS operating system, contact us and we will help you with a used Degoogled mobile phone. Call 08-55926959 or send an email to hej@cirkulerad.se

Extended Lifespan Through DeGoogled Technology

DeGoogled phones run smoother without Google's background processes [46]. Less background synchronization and telemetry provide more hours per charge [46]. The HIROH Phone's 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging takes advantage of /e/OS's efficiency [45].

Why does this matter so much for the reuse market? Custom ROMs like /e/OS keep phones running long after manufacturers have ceased official support, without artificial slowdowns or planned obsolescence often associated with Google, Samsung, and Apple updates [46].

Murena guarantees at least five years of software updates and security patches, with new versions published at least every two months [39]. The /e/OS ecosystem includes open-source apps for browsers, email, calendar, maps, and camera that cover most needs while maintaining compatibility with Android apps [39].

App Lounge allows the installation of most Android applications while trackers are blocked and location data is controlled with customizable settings for each app [40].

Impact on the Reuse Market

The elimination of Google's data collection extends the lifespan of devices by removing artificial aging linked to system updates. Custom ROMs keep devices functional years after official support ends [46].

The IP54 rating provides moderate protection against dust and water [47]. The aluminum frame and glass back create a premium feel that lasts over time, available in platinum or black [40]. The first 500 customers will receive a numbered Limited Edition Platinum version exclusively from Murena [48].

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders opened on September 18, 2025, with delivery planned for January or February 2026 [44]. The pre-order price is €999 or SEK 10955.85, a saving from the regular retail price of €1199 or SEK 13149.21 [45].

A deposit of €99 or SEK 1085.71 is required to reserve the device, with the remaining amount paid upon delivery [40]. The device is sold in all countries where Murena products are available, including the UK and USA [44].

The packaging includes only the absolute essentials to reduce electronic waste: the HIROH phone and a quick guide [39]. Murena encourages the reuse of existing USB cables, power adapters, and headphones if they are compatible [45].

Jolla Phone 2026 - Modular Design with The Other Half

_{Image Source: Liliputing}

What is Jolla Phone 2026

Here I delve into how Jolla returns to its roots with modern technology. Manufactured in Salo, Finland, where Nokia phones were produced over a decade ago, the Jolla Phone 2026 comes as an updated version of the 2013 original [5]. A MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor powers the device along with 8GB of RAM as standard, upgradeable to 12GB, and 256GB of storage which can be expanded to 2TB [12] [5]. The 6.36-inch AMOLED display with 1080p resolution is complemented by a 50MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and 32MP selfie camera [5].

The Other Half platform forms the core of the device's sustainable design. Interchangeable back covers not only add color but also real functionality through pogo pins that connect directly to the phone [5]. Sailfish OS automatically reads the NFC chip in each cover and adjusts settings, sound signals, and wallpapers to match [13]. The new I³C interface is opened to the community so that anyone can design, 3D-print, or manufacture their own modules [6].

Community priorities show clear needs: 68 percent want productivity features like keyboards and separation between work and private life, while 54 percent desire creative tools like e-ink displays [6]. Another 47 percent prioritize keyboards and stylus adapters, 38 percent extra displays, and 36 percent extra batteries [6]. The price level is widely accepted, with 58 percent willing to pay €50-€99 for feature-rich modules [6].

Sustainable Features and Energy Efficiency

Sailfish OS has long support cycles with guaranteed support for at least five years [12]. Unlike Android phones that send megabytes of data daily to Google even when the device is not in use, the system remains silent until you explicitly allow connections [12].

The 5500mAh battery can be replaced by the user along with the interchangeable back cover, available in three colors inspired by Nordic nature: Snow White, Kaamos Black, and The Orange [12] [9]. The physical privacy switch is configured according to your preferences to turn off the microphone, Bluetooth, Android apps, or other functions [12].

Impact on the reuse market

The modular system significantly extends the product life cycle as users can upgrade specific functions without replacing the entire device. The Innovation Program gathers the community to collaboratively design functional shells where user voting determines development priorities [6]. Blueprints for custom shells can be downloaded from the development kit for 3D printing [13].

Production occurs in smaller batches to reduce overproduction and e-waste. Early orders secure a spot in the September 2026 delivery of the first 1000 units [12]. This strategy supports the circular economy by matching manufacturing with actual demand.

Pricing and availability

The first 1000 units from the September 2026 production run cost €649 including local VAT [12]. Orders include a refundable deposit of €99 which will be deducted from the final payment [12][204]. A second batch of 2000 units opened for pre-order at €549 with deliveries in the first half of 2026 [8]. The phone is sold in EU countries, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland [12][204].

Replaceable batteries – Back to the Future

_{Image Source: Reddit}

Why replaceable batteries are important

The EU's new Battery Directive (2023/1542) comes into force on February 18, 2027, marking the end of a decade where mobile manufacturers forced consumers to discard entire phones when batteries deteriorated. The legislative change was passed with an overwhelming majority: 587 votes in favor, 9 against, and 20 abstentions [14].

The requirements are clear and practical:

• The battery must be removable using common commercially available tools, without special tools, heat, or chemicals [2]

• Batteries must withstand at least 800 charging cycles with 80 percent capacity retained [2]

• Digital battery passports with QR codes are required for batteries over 2 kWh, showing manufacturing date, number of charging cycles completed, and estimated capacity [2]

• Spare parts must be available for up to seven years after a model ceases to be sold [2]

E-waste in the EU has increased by 60 percent since 2015 and now amounts to 11.6 kg per inhabitant annually [2]. At the same time, only 46.5 percent of portable batteries are collected for recycling, far below the target of 63 percent to be reached by 2027 [2].

Sustainable features and energy efficiency

Each battery is almost entirely recyclable, in fact 100 percent if correctly handled in the recycling process [15]. Despite this, about 35,000 tons of batteries are improperly discarded by households in Europe each year [15]. Less than 50 percent of household batteries are returned to the circular economy via authorized collection points [15].

The EU Green Deal sets concrete goals: battery recycling rates must reach 73 percent by 2030 [15]. Lithium recycling from spent batteries must be 50 percent by 2027 and 80 percent by the end of 2031 [16]. Industrial and electric vehicle batteries must contain specific proportions of recycled content: 16 percent for cobalt, 85 percent for lead, six percent for lithium, and six percent for nickel [16].

Smart batteries provide users access to manufacturing date, charging capacity, battery health, and the number of completed battery cycles through the serial number [17]. This transparency enables optimized battery usage where batteries can be moved between devices as needed.

Impact on the reuse market

The secondhand mobile phone market is growing by over 10 percent annually and is expected to reach 431 million units sold globally by 2027 [2]. In Sweden, 40 percent of consumers now choose secondhand over new, a dramatic increase from 25 percent just a few years earlier [2].

When battery replacement becomes easy and inexpensive, the lifespan of mobile phones increases dramatically. For organizations, replaceable batteries mean a greatly extended lifespan for mobile devices by simply replacing faulty batteries with new ones [17]. Technological development in mobile devices has partly slowed down; the difference between the latest and second-latest models is minimal [17].

Pricing and availability

The law applies from the turn of 2026-2027 to all phones sold within the EU [14]. Since few manufacturers design specific EU models, the change will have a global impact [18]. Battery replacement by certified individuals using specialized tools can take days or weeks and cost almost as much as a new device [17]. With replaceable batteries, this monopoly disappears.

5-year software support – New standard from MWC Barcelona 2026

_{Image Source: KraftGeek}

What does extended software support mean for reuse?

Previously, most manufacturers stopped providing updates after two to three years. Now, manufacturers must provide operating system updates for at least five years after the last unit of a specific model has been sold on the market [10]. The period begins when the model is removed from the market, not at product launch [10].

A smartphone launched in 2025 and sold for two years must therefore receive updates until 2032 [10]. This requirement covers security updates and compatibility updates, which poses significant challenges, especially for manufacturers of Android-based smartphones [10].

The purpose of the rules is for consumers to be able to keep their mobile phones for several years without having to compromise on IT security or experience incompatibility with new apps [10]. While 2 or 3 years used to be the norm, it is now up to 7 years, and in the near future it could be up to 8 years [19].

Economic benefits and environmental benefits

The EU's own impact assessment expects economic savings for consumers of approximately 98 euros per household by 2030 through fewer new purchases and lower energy consumption [10]. Phones will have a longer lifespan, reducing electronic waste [19].

Particularly noteworthy is that long-term software support no longer applies only to flagship models, but also to cheaper mid-range models [19]. The current leaders in software support are Samsung, Google, and Honor, offering 7 Android upgrades and 7 years of security updates for their selected flagship devices [19].

Impact on the reuse market

A negative consequence of the new requirements could be that the cheapest mobile phones completely disappear from the EU market [10]. Five years of software support and a seven-year spare parts warranty will be very costly for manufacturers of budget models [10].

Smartphones in the price range below 2,300 kronor could disappear, as the margins cannot cover the extra costs for long-term support [10]. In other words, you are encouraged to buy a more expensive phone, but to keep it longer [10].

This change benefits the reuse market by ensuring that devices retain their value longer when software support is guaranteed. Used phones become more attractive when buyers know that security updates will continue for several years to come.

Support lengths from different manufacturers

A comparison of current support lengths from different manufacturers shows clear developments [19]:

• Google: Previously 3 Android updates and 5 years of security updates, now 7+7 from Pixel 8

• Samsung: Previously 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates, now 6+6 and 7+7 for Galaxy S and Z series

• Honor: Previously 2 Android updates and 3 years of security updates, now 7+7 from Magic 7 Pro

• Xiaomi: Previously 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates, now 4+5 from model 14 Ultra

• Sony: Previously 2 Android updates and 2-3 years of security updates, now 3+5 from Xperia 1 VI

Which manufacturer will you choose when your next phone replacement approaches?

Repairability in focus - Design principles for the future

!Image

_{Image Source: PCMag}

How to design products that last?

The EU's ecodesign requirements create harmonised demands for the entire product lifecycle, covering sustainability, energy efficiency, and access to spare parts [11]. Components such as batteries, screens, camera modules, and connectors must be available for up to seven years after the model has been removed from the market [10].

Here are concrete requirements: parts must be delivered to professional repairers within five to ten working days [10]. Manufacturers are also obliged to provide independent workshops with access to necessary repair software and documentation [10].

User-centred design methodology forms the basis for sustainable products where design ethnographic methods such as observations, interviews, and workshops create an understanding of people's current situation [20]. Circular product design for home electronics examines how products are designed correctly from the outset to last a long time and be part of a circular cycle [7].

Digital product passports contain detailed information about the product's environmental impact, material content, origin, and possibilities for repair and recycling [11]. Repairability ratings are being introduced for electronics and household appliances, where the labelling summarises factors such as ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts, and documentation [10].

Modular design increases willingness to repair

Modular smartphones promote user repairs according to studies where under 15 percent of respondents said they had not repaired damaged modular or semi-modular smartphones [3]. Self-repair of 39 percent of modular devices confirms that well-designed instructions lead to a positive repair experience [3].

Modular design increases the perception of self-repairability according to the findings [3]. At the same time, self-repair can increase emotional attachment to the product, which can postpone product replacement [3].

Emotional durability means an emotional connection to the user where the user wants to keep their product for a long time [7]. The project examines how to create incentives for all parties for a circular system with products that can be repaired and upgraded [7].

Impact on the reuse market

When comparing modular units to semi-modular ones, the study shows that the former were significantly more likely to attempt self-repair [3]. Semi-modular unit users utilized the repair service approximately two-thirds of the time, compared to roughly one-third of those with fully modular phones [3].

However, repairs of more complex elements like the motherboard were more often sent to the repair service [3].

Manufacturers should promote device repair where strategies like reparability scores can be used to influence more sustainable product choices [3]. Modular smartphones do not become more sustainable if the associated business model is simply to sell more [3].

Prices and availability

Spare parts must be available for up to seven years after the model has been removed from the market, with delivery within five to ten working days to professional repairers [10]. Original manufacturers must state an expected maximum price excluding VAT for original spare parts that become available to professional repairers and end-users [21].

The consequence of the new requirements may be that the cheapest mobile phones disappear completely from the EU market [10]. Smartphones in the price range under SEK 2,300 may disappear because margins cannot handle the extra costs for long-term support [10].

Being curious about the details contributes greatly to better overall management of organizations' mobile devices, and makes a huge difference for the environment!

Privacy switches and data control - Sustainability through security

_{Image Source: Ubergizmo}

What are privacy switches?

Can software truly protect your privacy when apps and hackers are becoming increasingly advanced? Physical switches that disconnect the camera and microphone directly at the circuit level offer a layer of security that software can never match [22]. Hardware switches require a physical action from the user, unlike software settings that can be manipulated by apps or malicious code [23].

The Hiroh phone demonstrates practical security with two separate switches. The left switch turns off cameras and microphones at the circuit level, while the right disconnects all connectivity including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth [23]. When the privacy switch is activated, a red light illuminates, confirming that the function is engaged [23]. The physical disconnection guarantees that no app can programmatically reactivate the sensors [23].

Sustainable features and energy efficiency

Security extends product lifecycles by protecting user data and trust. Murena Cloud runs on 100 percent renewable energy from hydropower [4]. During a 45-minute test, the UP Phone blocked every third-party tracker, while competing phones allowed hundreds of trackers to pass through [24].

Fewer data breaches and trackers reduce the need to replace devices after security incidents. Privacy switches contribute to the circular economy by making users feel confident with their devices for longer.

Impact on the reuse market

The Murena 2 scores 6 out of 10 on the reparability index [4]. The combination of physical privacy controls, reparability, and extended software support creates devices with higher resale value.

The brand supports devices introduced 10 years ago, demonstrating long-term commitment [4]. Phones with privacy switches retain their value on the reuse market because the security features remain relevant years after purchase.

Prices and availability

Privacy switches are included as standard in several devices from MWC Barcelona 2026 at no extra cost. Five years of software support are combined with the physical security features to maximize the product's total lifespan [4].

Comparison table - Which option do you choose?

Here, I summarize the eight breakthroughs from MWC 2026 that extend product lifecycles and reduce e-waste. Being curious about the details contributes greatly to better overall management of mobile phones, and makes a huge difference for the environment!

Product/Feature	Price	Processor/Hardware	RAM	Storage	Battery	Software Support	Operating System	Special Features	Availability
Jolla Mind2 Personal AI Assistant	€699 (incl. 25.5% VAT) + €9.99/month after 3 months	RK3588 CPU with 6 TOPS NPU	16GB	128GB eMMC, expandable via SSD and microSD	N/A (desktop unit)	Not specified	Venho AI platform	Local AI processing, 8-bit quantized LLM models (Llama 3.1 8B), color coding for data protection	EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland
Punkt MC02	€699 / SEK 8225.11 + CHF 14.99/month (SEK 185.01)	MediaTek Dimensity 900	6GB	Not specified	5500 mAh (10h 51min battery life)	At least 5 years	Apostrophy OS (based on GrapheneOS and AOSP 13)	Carbon Ledger, Privacy Bubble, Digital Nomad VPN, two home screens for secure/insecure environment	Globally via Punkt and Reebelo (refurbished SEK 4386.62)
Murena HIROH Phone	€999 (pre-order) / €1199 (regular)	MediaTek Dimensity 8300 (8 cores, 3.35 GHz)	16GB	512GB UFS4.x + microSD up to 2TB	5000 mAh with 33W fast charging	At least 5 years (bi-monthly updates)	/e/OS (based on Android 16, DeGoogled)	Two kill switches (hardware for camera/microphone, software for connectivity), IP54, 108MP camera	All countries where Murena is available (incl. UK, USA). Delivery Jan-Feb 2026
Jolla Phone 2026	€649 (first 1000 units) / €549 (second batch 2000 units)	MediaTek Dimensity 7100	8GB (12GB upgrade option)	256GB, expandable to 2TB	5500 mAh, replaceable	At least 5 years	Sailfish OS	The Other Half modular back shells with I³C interface, physical privacy switch, 6.36" AMOLED, 50MP camera	EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland. Sept 2026 (batch 1), H1 2026 (batch 2)
Replaceable batteries	N/A (legal requirement)	N/A	N/A	N/A	Requirement: 800 charge cycles with 80% capacity	N/A	N/A	EU Directive 2023/1542 comes into force 18 Feb 2027, digital battery passports with QR code, 73% recycling rate by 2030	All phones sold in the EU from turn of the year 2026-2027
5-year software support	N/A (legal requirement)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	At least 5 years (up to 7-8 years for some manufacturers)	N/A	Security and compatibility updates, economic savings €98/household by 2030, extended product lifespan	EU market, applies to all manufacturers
Focus on reparability	Spare parts available for 7 years	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	EU ecodesign requirements, digital product passports, reparability ratings, delivery of spare parts within 5-10 business days, modular design increases self-repair by 39%	EU market, professional repairers and end-users
Privacy switches and data control	Included as standard	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	5 years (combined with other features)	N/A	Physical switches for camera/microphone at circuit level, Murena Cloud on 100% renewable energy, Murena 2 reparability index 6/10	Several devices from MWC 2026 (Hiroh, Jolla Phone 2026)

Key details:

• Prices include local VAT where indicated

• Software support refers to guaranteed minimum period

• N/A = Not applicable or not specified

• Refurbishment prices and savings based on actual market data

Together, these innovations create a circular economy where products are reused repeatedly instead of being discarded after a few years. We all have a responsibility to increase the rate of reuse in society; together, we can help each other.

Please ask us if you are curious to know more about these alternatives. Call 08-55926959 or send an email to hej@cirkulerad.se, and we will help you with used DeGoogled mobile phones or advice on sustainable mobile choices.

Conclusion

MWC 2026 actually shows that the reuse market is facing a real revolution. These eight innovations together create a circular economy where products are used longer, repaired more easily, and retain their value. EU regulations combined with manufacturers' voluntary commitments dramatically extend product lifecycles compared to previous standards of two to three years.

Consequently, you should consider these options when your next phone upgrade approaches.

If you want to try Jolla's Sailfish operating system or the E/OS operating system, contact us and we will help you with a used Degoogled mobile phone by calling 08-55926959 or sending an email to hej@cirkulerad.se. The future of mobile technology is no longer about faster upgrades, but about smarter reuse.

FAQs

Q1. What is unique about Jolla Mind2 compared to cloud-based AI assistants? Jolla Mind2 is a compact personal server that processes and stores all data locally on hardware you physically own. Unlike cloud-based solutions, no information leaves the device without your express consent. The system uses 8-bit quantized LLM models such as Llama 3.1 8B optimized for edge devices, eliminating dependence on third-party cloud infrastructure and dramatically reducing energy consumption.

Q2. How does the EU's new battery directive affect the smartphone reuse market? The EU's battery directive, which comes into force on February 18, 2027, requires batteries to be removable with common tools and to withstand at least 800 charge cycles with 80% capacity retained. This significantly extends the product life cycle as users can easily replace batteries instead of buying new phones. The used mobile phone market is already growing by over 10% annually and is expected to reach 431 million units sold globally by 2027.

Q3. What tangible benefits does 5-year software support provide consumers? Manufacturers must provide security and compatibility updates for at least five years after the last unit of a model has been sold. The EU's impact assessment expects economic savings of approximately 98 euros per household by 2030 through fewer new purchases and lower energy consumption. A smartphone launched in 2025 and sold for two years must receive updates until 2032, which significantly extends the device's useful life.

Q4. How do privacy switches work and why are they more important than software settings? Privacy switches are physical switches that disconnect the camera and microphone directly at the circuit level. Unlike software settings that can be manipulated by apps or malicious code, hardware switches require a physical action from the user. When the privacy switch is activated, the physical disconnection guarantees that no app can programmatically reactivate the sensors, providing a layer of security that software can never match.

Q5. What does modular design mean for a phone's lifespan and reparability? Modular design, such as the Jolla Phone 2026's The Other Half platform, allows users to upgrade specific features without replacing the entire device. Studies show that under 15% of users with modular smartphones failed to repair damaged devices, and 39% performed self-repair. EU ecodesign requirements ensure that components such as batteries, screens, and camera modules will be available for up to seven years after the model is removed from the market.

References

[1] - https://commerce.jolla.com/products/jolla-phone-sept-26
[2] - https://www.wired.com/story/jolla-phone-2026/
[3] - https://www.venho.ai/resources/jolla-mind2
[4] - https://commerce.jolla.com/products/jolla-mind2-ai-computer
[5] - https://www.jollamind2.com/
[6] - https://www.ri.se/sv/artificiell-intelligens/berattelse/sa-kan-energieffektiv-ai-minska-klimatpaverkan
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[27] - https://www.m3.se/article/1849661/jolla-saljer-nu-sina-smarta-mobilskal-pa-webben-the-other-half.html
[28] - https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/the-other-half-returns-community-innovation-program/26011
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[39] - https://supermiljobloggen.se/nyheter/nya-ekodesignkrav-ska-stoppa-slit-och-slang-i-eu/
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