“Planned obsolescence” is a controversial manufacturing strategy where companies intentionally design a product with a limited lifespan to encourage future sales. While companies deny this practice, consumers frequently report a frustrating pattern: a device works perfectly until just after its one- or two-year warranty expires, at which point it suddenly fails. This forces the owner into a costly repair or, more often, a complete replacement. This strategy is particularly common in the tech industry, where a cycle of constant upgrades is profitable for manufacturers but costly and wasteful for everyone else.
1. Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are a classic example of a product designed with multiple failure points. Many models contain an internal ink absorption pad that, after a certain number of cleaning cycles, becomes “full,” generating an error message that renders the printer useless. The cost to service this pad is often more than the price of a new printer. This, combined with expensive ink cartridges and easily clogged print heads, creates a product that is almost always cheaper to replace than to repair.
2. Wireless Earbuds
The tiny lithium-ion batteries inside wireless earbuds like Apple’s AirPods are the product’s fatal flaw. These batteries have a finite number of charge cycles and begin to degrade significantly after about two years of regular use. Because the earbuds are glued together and sealed, it is nearly impossible to replace the battery. This effectively gives the product a two-year lifespan, forcing consumers to buy a new pair once the battery can no longer hold a charge.
3. Modern Washing Machines
While older washing machines were built like tanks and could last for decades, many modern, high-efficiency models are prone to premature failure. A common point of failure is the electronic control board, which is sensitive to moisture and power surges. The cost to replace this single electronic component can often be half the price of a new machine, pushing many consumers to simply buy a replacement rather than attempt an expensive repair on a machine that is only a few years old.
4. Smartphones
Manufacturers use several tactics to shorten the lifespan of a smartphone. The non-replaceable battery is the most obvious, as its performance degrades over time. Additionally, companies often release software updates that slow down older models, pushing users to upgrade to get better performance. The high cost of repairing a cracked screen or a faulty charging port, especially when compared to the promotional price of a new phone, also encourages replacement over repair.
5. LED Televisions
The LED backlights that illuminate the screen on modern TVs are a frequent point of failure. These tiny light-emitting diodes have a limited lifespan and can begin to burn out after a few years of heavy use, creating dark spots or patches on the screen. While replacing an LED strip is technically possible, it is a complex and labor-intensive repair that most technicians charge a premium for, once again making a new TV a more appealing option.
6. Electric Toothbrushes
Rechargeable electric toothbrushes are another product with a sealed, non-replaceable battery. After two or three years, the battery often fails to hold a charge for more than a few uses. Because the internal components are sealed to be waterproof, replacing the battery is not a user-friendly option. This forces the consumer to discard the entire handle and purchase a new one, creating unnecessary electronic waste.
The Fight for the Right to Repair
Planned obsolescence is a frustrating and wasteful business model that harms both consumers’ wallets and the environment. The growing “right to repair” movement advocates for laws that would require manufacturers to design more durable products and make spare parts and repair manuals available to the public. By supporting these initiatives, consumers can help push the industry toward a more sustainable future where products are built to last, not to be replaced.
Have you ever owned a product that you suspect was designed to fail? What are your thoughts on planned obsolescence? Share your experience!
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