Take a moment now to reach into your pocket or handbag and pull out your smartphone. How old is it? What model is it? Is the software up-to-date? These are questions you should be asking yourself regularly, usually every six months or so. Why? Planned obsolescence: the deliberate act of ensuring that a piece of technology will slow down or stop working altogether within a specific period of time. Tech giants are notorious for this; I’ve gone through a few iPhones over the past five years, having been forced to buy a new one after almost two years. They cost so much money, yet they don’t seem to last what they’re worth, which is frustrating to say the least. So why do tech companies employ this tactic? And is there a way to stay ahead of it? Let’s take a look:
Updating Software
Updating the software on your device and computer is a must. Doing so protects your device and your personal information from bugs, vulnerabilities, and hackers. It also allows you to stay current with new technological trends, depending on the device’s make and model (e.g. Dark Mode will be available on macOS Mojave in fall 2018). However, while updating software is necessary, doing so on older devices can slow them down. This is because the old devices are powered by older versions of hardware, which eventually struggle to keep up with the powerful software. In some cases, new software updates can be incompatible with older devices, forcing the user either to continue to use the device with old, potentially buggy software, or to buy a new device. In the latter case, the user will eventually have to make the same decision after a few years in this vicious cycle.
Planned Obsolescence in Computers
As we have already seen, planned obsolescence can occur in computers, too. Other than eventual incompatible software, computers follow Moore’s Law, which states that every two years the size of transistors shrinks, meaning that more can fit in the microprocessor. More transistors means more computer power. Similarly, this halves the cost of computing power in the same two-year cycle.
On the Consumer Side of Things
Now you’re probably thinking, Why am I paying good money for a piece of technology that’s just going to slow down or stop working in a couple of years? And you’re not alone. Planned obsolescence is annoying to all consumers. In some markets, however, planned obsolescence doesn’t work, such as in those that compete by price or durability. In these highly competitive markets, the brands can be severely impacted by employing this tactic, as it can drive away consumers.
The Argument for Planned Obsolescence
There are a few reasons why this strategy may be necessary. The first reason is costs. A cell phone manufacturing company may choose to use components that last only a few years over those that may last a few decades because they’re more affordable for consumers. Another reason is that it drives technological innovation. Having the newest technology is usually beneficial and increases productivity in the workplace. Yet another reason is the need to sell. Annually, cell phone models and car models are released, which drives sales. These annual releases started at the turn of the 20th century in the automobile industry in order to limit market saturation.
While planned obsolescence may be frustrating and cause financial strain on consumers, no company has been accused of it. Technology wears down over time and with use, so it’s tough to point fingers and say that a company is deliberately building less-than-satisfactory devices. In fact, to combat this, Apple announced at WWDC 2018 that the new operating system for iPhone, iOS 12, will be compatible with older devices and won’t slow them down. I’m intrigued by this bold statement, as my iPhone is beginning to slow down and become glitchy. I hope they keep true to their promise.
At M&H Consulting, we understand your frustrations as a consumer when it comes to failing technology. That’s why we like to keep you informed about phenomena in the world of tech. For all your tech needs, comments, questions, and concerns, contact M&H Consulting by phone at 1-(866)-964-8324, or visit our website at http://www.mhconsults.com.
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