Planned Obsolescence

Last updated: 4 April 2026

Planned Obsolescence refers to the deliberate design of products to become outdated or stop working after a specific period, encouraging consumers to purchase new items.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

In electronics recycling and e-waste management, planned obsolescence plays a significant role in driving up waste volumes. Manufacturers design devices with shorter lifespans by using substandard components or creating models that are difficult to repair. For instance, Apple faced criticism for slowing down older iPhone models as newer operating systems were released, prompting users to buy new phones rather than upgrading their existing ones.

This practice affects both consumers and businesses by increasing costs and environmental impacts. Consumers end up spending more money on frequent replacements, while businesses must deal with the logistical challenges of disposing of outdated technology responsibly. In 2019 alone, about 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated globally, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor report by the United Nations University.

According to the Apple Environmental Report 2024, apple recovered over 1 tonne of gold from recycled devices in 2023.

Understanding planned obsolescence is important for grasping other related concepts like circular economy and product stewardship. These ideas focus on extending a product's life cycle through repairability and recyclability rather than designing products meant to be discarded after minimal use. By recognizing planned obsolescence, consumers can advocate for more sustainable practices and push manufacturers towards producing longer-lasting electronics that reduce waste.

For those interested in learning more about e-waste management, exploring how companies implement take-back programs or engage in recycling partnerships might provide additional insight into combating the challenges posed by planned obsolescence.

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