Many of us have wondered: why does my smartphone break down exactly after two years? Or why does my laptop stop working right after the warranty expires? These questions open the door to the theory of "Planned Obsolescence" - the idea that companies design their products to work for a limited time and then stop functioning.
What is Planned Obsolescence?
Planned Obsolescence is an intentional business strategy where companies design their products to become outdated or ineffective after a specific period. The goal? To push consumers to buy new products more frequently.
Types of Planned Obsolescence
1. Functional Obsolescence
When a product is designed to stop working after a certain number of uses or after a specific period. A clear example: printers that stop working after printing a certain number of pages.
2. Technological Obsolescence
When software or technical updates make old devices seem slow or incompatible. Many of us have noticed how our phones become slower after system updates.
3. Aesthetic Obsolescence
When companies launch new designs that make current products look old and undesirable, even if they still function well.
Real-World Evidence
Non-replaceable batteries: Many modern devices come with internally glued batteries, with manufacturers knowing the battery will die before the rest of the device components.
Unavailability of spare parts: Some companies don't provide spare parts for products after a certain period, making repair impossible or very expensive.
Software updates: Updates that slow down old devices or block previously available features.
The Companies' Perspective
Companies defend their policies by saying:
Developing longer-lasting products increases costs and makes prices uncompetitive
Continuous innovation requires regular product changes
Some consumers prefer newer, more advanced products
Environmental Impact
These practices significantly contribute to:
Increasing electronic waste that's difficult to recycle
Depleting natural resources to manufacture new devices
Environmental pollution from toxic materials found in electronic devices
Consumer Rights and Solutions
What you can do:
Support the right to repair: Demand laws that allow consumers and independent repair centers access to spare parts and technical support
Conscious purchasing: Choose products from companies known for their quality and long-term product support
Repair instead of replace: Try to repair broken devices before buying new ones
A More Sustainable Future
Some governments and organizations are starting to take action:
The European Union requires companies to provide spare parts for longer periods
France officially criminalizes planned obsolescence
The "Right to Repair" movement is gaining momentum worldwide
Conclusion
While we can't confirm that every company deliberately follows planned obsolescence strategies, evidence suggests practices that push consumers to replace their devices faster. As smart shoppers, we have the power to influence these practices through our purchasing choices and demands for greater transparency from companies.
The most important question: Do we deserve products that last longer, or have we become addicted to constant updates and change?
What do you think? Have you encountered a situation where you felt your device stopped working at a "suspicious" time? Share your experience in the comments.