During the intense heatwaves of summer 2026, the Midea PortaSplit, a two-part portable air conditioner, became one of the most in-demand products. In response to the high demand and regulatory changes, the manufacturer announced on September 14, 2026, that a new version of the air conditioner will be available in 2027. The key upgrade involves replacing the refrigerant from difluoromethane (R32) with propane (R290), a natural refrigerant known for its lower environmental impact. This change is necessary to meet the European F-Gas regulation, which restricts the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential. The new Midea PortaSplit will also feature a removable filter for condensation water, making it easier to clean and maintain. The outdoor unit will be redesigned to allow condensation water to be drained in various directions and at higher pressure, which supports the use of longer drainage tubes. Additionally, the updated model will be compatible with Matter 1.6, a standard for smart home devices that allows different products to work together seamlessly. Current models of the PortaSplit using R32 refrigerant will not be banned after January 1, 2027. These units can still be used after that date, provided they were sold or placed on the market by December 31, 2026. The new R290 version will gradually enter the European market in mid-2027, but Midea has not yet shared specific release dates or pricing details for the updated model. It remains uncertain whether the switch to propane and the addition of Matter 1.6 compatibility will affect the price of the new model compared to the current version. As the transition takes place, consumers may need to wait for more information on availability and cost before making a purchase decision.