Technology
Planned Obsolescence Explained
What is planned obsolescence? Discover the strategy of designing gadgets to fail and learn how it impacts your wallet and the environment.
What is it?
Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where a product is intentionally designed with a limited lifespan, becoming outdated or non-functional after a specific period. This isn't about natural wear and tear; it's a deliberate choice by manufacturers to encourage consumers to buy a newer model. Common tactics include using components that are known to fail, making repairs difficult or costly, and releasing software updates that slow down older devices, effectively forcing an upgrade. It's most prevalent in fast-moving consumer electronics like smartphones, laptops, and printers.
Why is it trending?
Awareness of planned obsolescence is surging due to the growing global "Right to Repair" movement. Consumers and regulators are pushing back against restrictive practices, demanding access to parts, tools, and repair information. This trend is amplified by increasing environmental consciousness. As the problem of electronic waste (e-waste) escalates, the throwaway culture fueled by obsolescence is facing intense scrutiny. High-profile lawsuits against major tech companies have also brought the issue into mainstream headlines, making consumers more skeptical of product lifecycles.
How does it affect people?
Planned obsolescence directly impacts people's finances, forcing them into a cycle of frequent and often unnecessary repurchasing. This continuous consumption contributes significantly to environmental degradation by generating massive amounts of e-waste and depleting finite natural resources. On a personal level, it can lead to immense frustration when a perfectly good device is rendered useless by a single, unrepairable component or a software limitation. This erodes consumer trust and challenges the notion of ownership, as users feel they don't truly control the products they've purchased.