Fighting Planned Obsolescence: Making the iPhone Desirable Again
Explore the battle against planned obsolescence and discover how innovation and advocacy can make your old iPhone attractive again.
Planned obsolescence—the strategy of deliberately designing products with a limited useful life—has long shaped the way consumers engage with technology. Nowhere is this more visible than in the smartphone industry, particularly with Apple’s iPhone. From controversial battery management policies to the encroaching difficulty of repair, planned obsolescence not only tests consumers’ patience but also puts global sustainability ambitions at risk. This article explores the origins and impact of planned obsolescence, unpacks the controversies surrounding tech giants, and highlights ways to make older devices valuable again through repairability, advocacy, and innovation.
What Is Planned Obsolescence?
Planned obsolescence, or built-in obsolescence, refers to a design strategy where a product is intentionally crafted to become outdated or unusable after a certain period, commonly encouraging consumers to purchase new replacements sooner than necessary. This practice manifests in various forms:
- Physical Obsolescence: Where components wear out quickly, like batteries or fragile screens.
- Software Obsolescence: When software support is discontinued or updates degrade performance.
- Psychological Obsolescence: Triggered by frequent new model launches or changing aesthetics, making older devices seem unattractive.
Although some claim it drives innovation, critics argue it is economically and environmentally harmful, promoting unnecessary waste and reducing product lifespans.
The History and Logic of Planned Obsolescence
Planned obsolescence is much older than smartphones. The concept can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the classic example being the Phoebus Cartel—a consortium of lightbulb manufacturers who agreed to limit the lifespan of bulbs to boost ongoing sales.
- Phoebus Cartel: Standardized the lifespan of lightbulbs to 1,000 hours, down from up to 2,500 hours. Manufacturers were fined if bulbs lasted longer.
As consumer culture exploded post-World War II, planned obsolescence became prevalent in industries ranging from automobiles to fashion, and, eventually, electronics.
Planned Obsolescence in Tech
The technology sector is notorious for several planned obsolescence tactics:
- Short Hardware Lifespan: Devices with fragile batteries or fast-wearing components.
- Software Lockout: Companies removing support for older models, either through incompatible updates or outright software exclusions.
- Repair Prevention: Making devices hard to open or fix, sometimes blocking third-party repair shops.
Apple, in particular, has faced multiple lawsuits over allegations of slowing down older iPhones and restricting repairability, issues that have prompted widespread consumer and regulatory backlash.
iPhone, Batterygate, and Repair Controversy
One of the most infamous cases in recent memory is Batterygate:
- In 2016, numerous iPhone 6s models began shutting down before their batteries ran out, leading Apple to quietly introduce software throttling to prevent further damage.
- Apple claimed the goal was device protection, but users accused the company of slowing old phones to force upgrades.
- Apple ultimately offered discounted battery replacements and paid up to $500 million in a class action settlement.
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While Apple justified the throttling as necessary for device longevity, the backlash highlighted a lack of transparency and ignited debate about planned obsolescence in the tech industry.
| Planned Obsolescence Tactic | Example | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Degradation | Weak batteries in iPhones | Premature shutdowns, decreased lifespan |
| Software Lockout | Updates incompatible with older devices | Forces buying new device for latest features |
| Repair Restrictions | Proprietary screws, software locks | Blocks third-party repair, increases e-waste |
| Psychological Obsolescence | Frequent new model launches | Consumer pressure to replace working device |
The Fight for Repairability
Repairability is at the heart of the struggle against planned obsolescence. Advocates argue that designing devices for repair can extend lifespans, save consumers money, and cut down on electronic waste.
- Apple, and many competitors, use proprietary screws and special adhesives to make opening devices difficult.
- Software measures or chip locks can block even experienced technicians from repairing certain components.
- Right-to-Repair campaigns around the world demand access to tools, parts, and software needed to fix devices.
Recently, advocacy and regulatory pressure have led to some industry changes. Apple now offers official repair programs—including self-service options—albeit ones often seen as complicated and restrictive.
Environmental and Economic Costs
Planned obsolescence has profound consequences for both the environment and consumers:
- Electronic waste (e-waste): Millions of tons of phones, tablets, and computers land in landfills annually.
- Resource depletion: Extraction of rare earth metals for new devices is energy-intensive and damaging.
- Financial burden: Consumers must pay for frequent replacements, often with little choice.
A 2017 report estimated that e-waste amounted to over 44 million metric tonnes globally, much of it containing valuable materials lost due to premature disposal. Increasing device lifespan is crucial for reducing such waste.
Real-World Examples of Planned Obsolescence Beyond Smartphones
- Fast Fashion: Clothing made to fall out of trend or physically degrade quickly—average item worn just seven times before discard.
- Printers: Many models include chips that lock out ink cartridges after a certain limit, regardless of remaining ink.
- Home Appliances: Dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances are increasingly difficult to repair, with replacement parts often unavailable.
Making the Old iPhone Sexy Again
How might we reclaim the desirability of older devices? Several pathways exist:
- Innovative Product Design: Encourage manufacturers to create devices with modular components and easily replaceable batteries.
- Community Repair: Support local repair shops and DIY forums that empower users to fix and upgrade their devices.
- Customization: Develop accessories and aesthetics that celebrate older phone models, making them stylish and functional.
- Advocacy for Transparency: Demand clear information about device lifespans, updates, and repair policies.
If consumers and designers embrace repairability, sustainability, and creativity, even an “old” iPhone can regain its appeal—saving money and the planet in the process.
Moving Towards Sustainable Technology
To fight planned obsolescence and promote sustainable technology, three groups play crucial roles:
- Consumers: By choosing repairable devices and supporting right-to-repair legislation.
- Designers: Through engineering products for longevity, modular upgrades, and aesthetic versatility.
- Regulators: Enacting policies that hold manufacturers accountable and enforce minimum lifespans and repair access.
Tech companies must be transparent about device capabilities and lifespans, and must grant fair access to repair resources. When sustainability and user experience work hand in hand, technology can evolve beyond wasteful cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is “planned obsolescence”?
A: The deliberate design of products to become unusable, outdated, or undesirable—often to encourage more frequent replacements.
Q: Why do companies use planned obsolescence?
A: Mostly to boost sales and profits by ensuring consumers must buy new products sooner than truly necessary.
Q: Does planned obsolescence impact the environment?
A: Yes, it generates massive amounts of e-waste, contributes to resource depletion, and increases the carbon footprint of tech production.
Q: Can I repair my iPhone myself?
A: Newer models are harder to repair, but Apple offers limited self-service repair programs. Community shops and DIY guides may help older models.
Q: What is “right to repair”?
A: It’s the idea that consumers should have access to the tools, parts, and knowledge needed to fix their own devices, preventing unnecessary replacements.
Recommendations for Consumers
- Choose devices and brands with proven repairability and long-term software support.
- Join or support right-to-repair advocacy groups and demand transparency from manufacturers.
- Utilize community repair resources; learn basic DIY repairs to extend device lifespans.
- Resist trends and psychological pressure to upgrade if the current device fulfills all personal needs.
Conclusion
The fight against planned obsolescence in technology—especially in smartphones like the iPhone—is both a battle for consumer rights and a campaign for global sustainability. By educating ourselves, supporting innovation in design and repair, and pushing for regulatory change, everyone can play a role in making devices last longer, restoring their desirability, and helping the planet in the process.
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