Planned obsolescence: Difference between revisions
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*Legal Obsolescence: Regulatory bans. | *Legal Obsolescence: Regulatory bans. | ||
Modern devices are often sealed with adhesives, welded components, and/or proprietary screws, making disassembly difficult or destructive. Smartphones exemplify systemic and contrived obsolescence, with glued-in batteries and soldered components needing specialized tools in some cases and software updates that render the device useless.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mauro |last=Cordella |first2=Felice |last2=Alfieri |first3=Christian |last3=Clemm |first4=Anton |last4=Berwald |display-authors=2 |title=Durability of smartphones: A technical analysis of reliability and repairability aspects |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7871336/ |website=nih.gov |date=1 Dec 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102180741/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7871336/ |archive-date=2 Nov 2024 |doi=10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125388 |pmc=7871336 |pmid=33658746}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Smartphone Repairability Scores |url=https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/smartphone-repairability-scores |website=iFixit |access-date=18 Jul 2025}}</ref> These design practices force consumers to rely on manufacturer-authorized repairs or buy replacements, aligning with planned obsolescence strategies. | Modern devices are often sealed with adhesives, welded components, and/or proprietary screws, making disassembly difficult or destructive. Smartphones exemplify systemic and contrived obsolescence, with glued-in batteries and soldered components needing specialized tools in some cases and software updates that render the device useless.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Mauro |last=Cordella |first2=Felice |last2=Alfieri |first3=Christian |last3=Clemm |first4=Anton |last4=Berwald |display-authors=2 |title=Durability of smartphones: A technical analysis of reliability and repairability aspects |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7871336/ |website=nih.gov |date=1 Dec 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102180741/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7871336/ |archive-date=2 Nov 2024 |doi=10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125388 |pmc=7871336 |pmid=33658746}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Smartphone Repairability Scores |url=https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/smartphone-repairability-scores |website=iFixit |access-date=18 Jul 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209231832/https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/smartphone-repairability-scores |archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref> These design practices force consumers to rely on manufacturer-authorized repairs or buy replacements, aligning with planned obsolescence strategies. | ||
A foundational 1984 Stanford study theorized that monopolists intentionally reduce product durability to maximize profits by forcing repeat purchases. Oligopolists may collude to shorten product lifespans, though outcomes depend on market dynamics.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bulow |first=Jeremy |title=An Economic Theory of Planned Obsolescence |url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/economic-theory-planned-obsolescence |journal=Stanford Graduate School of Business |date=1984 |access-date=18 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224142747/https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/economic-theory-planned-obsolescence |archive-date=24 Dec 2016}}</ref> | A foundational 1984 Stanford study theorized that monopolists intentionally reduce product durability to maximize profits by forcing repeat purchases. Oligopolists may collude to shorten product lifespans, though outcomes depend on market dynamics.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bulow |first=Jeremy |title=An Economic Theory of Planned Obsolescence |url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/economic-theory-planned-obsolescence |journal=Stanford Graduate School of Business |date=1984 |access-date=18 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224142747/https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/economic-theory-planned-obsolescence |archive-date=24 Dec 2016}}</ref> | ||