Planned obsolescence is a concept in which products are intentionally designed to have a limited lifespan, ultimately leading to their functional wear or degradation over time. This strategy is often employed by manufacturers to ensure consumers replace their products frequently, thus increasing demand and revenue for the company. The idea of planned obsolescence has been present in various industries, including electronics, automobiles, and even fashion.

Understanding the implications of planned obsolescence is crucial for both consumers and manufacturers. For consumers, this concept can lead to increased spending and the need to continually purchase new products. It also contributes to a culture of waste and environmental concerns, as many obsolete products are discarded without proper recycling or disposal methods.

On the other hand, manufacturers may argue that planned obsolescence is necessary for technological advancement and innovation. By creating products with fixed lifespans, companies can focus on developing new technologies, ultimately driving progress and meeting evolving consumer demands. However, critics often counter this argument by questioning the ethics and sustainability of a business model based on a continuous cycle of consumption and replacement.

Understanding Planned Obsolescence

Design and Strategy

Planned obsolescence is a design and business strategy in which products are designed to have limited useful life or artificially shortened lifespan. Manufacturers achieve this by making products less durable, or by creating a perception that a product has become obsolete. This practice encourages consumers to buy new products, generating repeat purchases and increasing demand.

Application of Obsolescence

Various industries, such as smartphones, electronics, and automotive, apply planned obsolescence to their products. Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google use both hardware and software strategies to make older devices less functional or compatible over time, prompting users to upgrade. Annual releases of new models with new features also contribute to perceived obsolescence.

Types of Planned Obsolescence

Different forms of planned obsolescence exist:

• Contrived durability: Products are designed to have a limited lifespan, so they break or wear out after a certain period.
• Dynamic obsolescence: Changes in design to make older products appear outdated or less desirable.
• Systemic obsolescence: The entire system is designed to limit the lifespan or compatibility of a product, incorporating both hardware and software.
• Information asymmetry: Manufacturers hide information from consumers, making it difficult to know a product’s true useful life.

Role of Manufacturers

Manufacturers like Canon, Apple, and Samsung have a significant role in determining the durability and longevity of their products. Measures like difficult repairability or limited warranty periods can encourage consumers to discard and replace devices. Additionally, software updates may slow down older devices or make them incompatible with newer software.

Impact on Society and Environment

Planned obsolescence contributes to a throwaway society, generating pollution and waste in landfills. Environmental and economic concerns arise due to increased resource consumption and strain on supply chain management. These practices also lead to information asymmetry between consumers and producers, enabling manufacturers to keep selling products with artificially reduced lifespans.

Countermeasures to Planned Obsolescence

Efforts like right-to-repair movements provide consumers with options to fix their devices and extend product longevity. Companies like Fairphone promote sustainable business practices and offer modular, repairable devices. Furthermore, the transition towards a circular economy and supply chain management can contribute to a more sustainable future with reduced waste and pollution.