Planned Obsolescence, or “planned obsolescence”, is a strategy where manufacturers consciously design products with a limited lifespan. The purpose of this is to encourage consumers to buy new products more quickly. This can be done by making parts that break more quickly, by introducing technologies that make older models obsolete, or by no longer supporting repairs or updates. While this tactic can bring more profit to companies, it is often criticized for promoting waste and pollution.

Examples of planned aging

Smartphones and tablets

One of the most well-known examples of planned aging comes from the world of electronics, especially smartphones. Many major manufacturers release new models each year and often provide software updates that no longer fully support older devices. Apple, for example, was accused of delaying older iPhone models via software updates, which made users prone to replacing their phones.

Printers

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