What is planned obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where products are intentionally designed to have a limited lifespan or functionality, prompting consumers to replace them sooner than they might otherwise need to. This approach can involve reducing the durability of a product or making it difficult to repair, thereby increasing sales for manufacturers. The concept is rooted in the idea that by ensuring products fail or become outdated quickly, companies can drive continuous consumer demand and maximize profits. This practice has raised ethical concerns regarding sustainability and consumer rights, as it contributes to increased waste and environmental degradation.

How does perceived obsolescence work?

Perceived obsolescence refers to the marketing strategy where products are made to seem outdated or less desirable, even if they are still functional. This is often achieved through changes in design, style, or technology that create a sense of urgency for consumers to upgrade to newer models. Companies may release new versions of products with minor improvements or aesthetic changes, leading consumers to feel that their current items are no longer fashionable or relevant. This tactic not only boosts sales but also fosters a culture of disposability, where consumers are encouraged to discard perfectly usable items in favor of the latest trends.

Why are iPhone repairs so expensive?

iPhone repairs tend to be expensive due to several factors, including the proprietary nature of Apple’s components and the limited availability of authorized repair services. Apple designs its devices in a way that often requires specialized tools and knowledge for repairs, which can lead to high labor costs. Additionally, the cost of replacement parts can be significant, as they are typically sourced directly from Apple or certified providers. This situation creates a financial disincentive for consumers to repair their devices, as the repair costs can range from 50% to 70% of the original purchase price, making it more appealing to buy a new device instead.

What is the right to repair movement?

The right to repair movement advocates for legislation and policies that allow consumers to repair their own devices or have them repaired by third-party services without facing restrictions from manufacturers. This movement seeks to combat planned obsolescence and promote sustainability by ensuring that products are designed with repairability in mind. Proponents argue that consumers should have access to the necessary tools, parts, and information to fix their devices, which can reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of products. Legislative efforts, such as those seen in France, aim to create a more equitable marketplace where consumers are empowered to maintain and repair their belongings rather than being forced to replace them.

What impact does e-waste have on the environment?

E-waste, or electronic waste, has a significant negative impact on the environment due to the hazardous materials often found in electronic devices, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these products are discarded improperly, they can leach toxic substances into the soil and water, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Additionally, the sheer volume of e-waste generated—estimated at 50 million metric tons annually—contributes to resource depletion and increases the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new devices. Addressing the e-waste crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting recycling, encouraging sustainable product design, and supporting initiatives that extend the life of electronic products.

Planned Obsolescence Sucks. Here's Why It Still Exists.

Our Changing Climate・1 minute read

In December 1924, major light bulb manufacturers established planned obsolescence to shorten bulb lifespans and boost sales, a practice evident in companies like Apple, which designs products such as iPhones to fail within a few years and limits repair options. This strategy contributes significantly to e-waste, prompting calls for individual repair efforts and legislative changes to promote sustainability and longer-lasting products.

Insights

Major light bulb manufacturers, including those in the 1924 Geneva meeting, initiated planned obsolescence by intentionally shortening product lifespans from 2000 to 1000 hours, a strategy aimed at boosting sales through designed product failure and creating a consumer culture that prioritizes new purchases over repairs.
Apple's approach to product durability demonstrates this concept, as iPhones are engineered to last only two to three years before facing battery issues, with repair costs significantly high and limited to authorized services, reinforcing a cycle of consumerism while contributing to the growing e-waste crisis, which sees 50 million metric tons generated annually.

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Recent questions

What is planned obsolescence?
Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where products are intentionally designed to have a limited lifespan or functionality, prompting consumers to replace them sooner than they might otherwise need to. This approach can involve reducing the durability of a product or making it difficult to repair, thereby increasing sales for manufacturers. The concept is rooted in the idea that by ensuring products fail or become outdated quickly, companies can drive continuous consumer demand and maximize profits. This practice has raised ethical concerns regarding sustainability and consumer rights, as it contributes to increased waste and environmental degradation.
How does perceived obsolescence work?
Perceived obsolescence refers to the marketing strategy where products are made to seem outdated or less desirable, even if they are still functional. This is often achieved through changes in design, style, or technology that create a sense of urgency for consumers to upgrade to newer models. Companies may release new versions of products with minor improvements or aesthetic changes, leading consumers to feel that their current items are no longer fashionable or relevant. This tactic not only boosts sales but also fosters a culture of disposability, where consumers are encouraged to discard perfectly usable items in favor of the latest trends.
Why are iPhone repairs so expensive?
iPhone repairs tend to be expensive due to several factors, including the proprietary nature of Apple’s components and the limited availability of authorized repair services. Apple designs its devices in a way that often requires specialized tools and knowledge for repairs, which can lead to high labor costs. Additionally, the cost of replacement parts can be significant, as they are typically sourced directly from Apple or certified providers. This situation creates a financial disincentive for consumers to repair their devices, as the repair costs can range from 50% to 70% of the original purchase price, making it more appealing to buy a new device instead.
What is the right to repair movement?
The right to repair movement advocates for legislation and policies that allow consumers to repair their own devices or have them repaired by third-party services without facing restrictions from manufacturers. This movement seeks to combat planned obsolescence and promote sustainability by ensuring that products are designed with repairability in mind. Proponents argue that consumers should have access to the necessary tools, parts, and information to fix their devices, which can reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of products. Legislative efforts, such as those seen in France, aim to create a more equitable marketplace where consumers are empowered to maintain and repair their belongings rather than being forced to replace them.
What impact does e-waste have on the environment?
E-waste, or electronic waste, has a significant negative impact on the environment due to the hazardous materials often found in electronic devices, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these products are discarded improperly, they can leach toxic substances into the soil and water, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Additionally, the sheer volume of e-waste generated—estimated at 50 million metric tons annually—contributes to resource depletion and increases the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new devices. Addressing the e-waste crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including promoting recycling, encouraging sustainable product design, and supporting initiatives that extend the life of electronic products.

Summary

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The Hidden Costs of Planned Obsolescence

In December 1924, major light bulb manufacturers met in Geneva to implement planned obsolescence, reducing bulb lifespan from 2000 to 1000 hours to increase sales.
Planned obsolescence involves designing products to fail prematurely, while perceived obsolescence makes older products seem outdated, driving consumers to purchase new items.
Apple exemplifies these practices, with iPhones designed to last about two to three years before battery issues arise, requiring special tools for replacement.
Repairing an iPhone can cost 50-70% of its original price, as only Apple stores and certified locations can perform repairs, discouraging consumers from fixing devices.
Apple’s warranty lasts only one year, and they expect devices to become obsolete after seven years, promoting a mindset that this is an acceptable lifespan.
Other companies, like Epson and Tesla, also engage in planned and perceived obsolescence, contributing to 50 million metric tons of e-waste annually.
Solutions include individual repair efforts, right to repair campaigns, and legislative changes, as seen in France, to promote sustainable and durable products.