🔧 Planned Obsolescence: For, Against, and Everything In Between
We've all wondered why gadgets break down right after the warranty expires. Spoiler: it's not a coincidence — it's planned obsolescence.
How it works: Manufacturers artificially reduce a product's lifespan to match its warranty period: • Cheap materials and fast-wearing components • Parts with a deliberately limited lifespan • Software that intentionally slows performance or restricts features
History and practice: One of the earliest examples is the Phoebus lamp cartel in the 1920s. Bulb lifespan was engineered to just 1,000 hours to maximize repeat sales. Today similar tactics appear in electronics, household appliances, printers, and software.
Famous cases: • Apple slowed older iPhones through iOS updates in 2017 • Canon and Samsung printers use chips that limit cartridge use
Did the reputational damage outweigh the gains? Given that both companies later apologized and reversed course, evidently not.
Why it matters for business: • For manufacturers: more repeat purchases • For consumers: pays more often for replacements, but sometimes benefits — new tech, lower entry prices • For business analysts: planned obsolescence must be factored into pricing, sales forecasting, and product strategy
The bottom line: If you're launching a product, ask yourself: will it be honest with the customer, and how long does it actually last? Transparency builds trust; hidden obsolescence can destroy reputation and long-term loyalty.
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