What is planned obsolescence and how does it affect the lifespan of your cell phone?

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Have you ever felt like your phone started to lag right after an update? Or that, even after just a few years of use, it suddenly seems to have "aged"? This may not just be an impression: we're talking about planned obsolescence—a strategy adopted by many companies to purposefully shorten the lifespan of their products, forcing consumers to upgrade more frequently.

Yes, this practice exists. And it directly affects your wallet, the environment, and even your right to choose. Understanding how planned obsolescence works is the first step to making more informed decisions and avoiding consumer traps.

What is planned obsolescence?

Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products with an intentionally limited lifespan. In other words, the manufacturer releases the item knowing that it will stop working properly—or become outdated—after a certain amount of time.

This can happen in several ways:

• Technical obsolescence: when the device starts to show faults, slowness or defects after a certain period of use.
• Software obsolescence: occurs when operating systems and applications are no longer compatible with older models.
• Perceptual or psychological obsolescence: when a new model is released with aesthetic or marketing improvements, making the previous one look old or outdated, even though it is functional.

The main goal of planned obsolescence is to keep the consumer cycle going. After all, if your cell phone lasted ten years without problems, the technology sector would sell fewer devices.

How does this happen on cell phones?

In the case of cell phones, planned obsolescence is a silent reality. Smartphone manufacturers use various resources to make their models obsolete within a few years.

Here are some examples of how this happens:

• Updates that weigh on the system
  It's common for older phones to start freezing after receiving system updates. This happens because the new software demands more of the processor and memory, degrading the performance of older devices.
• Battery that loses efficiency
  Lithium batteries have a limited lifespan. Cell phone models are often built with non-removable batteries, making replacement difficult and encouraging the purchase of a new device.
• Hard to replace parts
  Some models are designed to prevent users from easily replacing parts. The high cost of repairs, compared to buying a new phone, pushes consumers to replace them.
• End of support
  After a certain period, companies stop updating the operating system on older models. This not only compromises security but also makes the device incompatible with essential apps.
• Aggressive marketing
  The constant release of new models with small visual differences or features makes people feel that their phones are “outdated,” even though they work perfectly.

What are the consequences for the consumer?

The main consequence of planned obsolescence is the direct impact on your wallet. Replacing your cell phone every two or three years represents a continuous expense. For many people, this becomes almost an obligation, as older devices begin to fail or no longer meet current demands.

Additionally, there are:

• Frustration with products that “die” quickly;
• Increase in electronic waste and environmental impact;
• Feeling of always being behind the latest news;
• Loss of autonomy to choose when to change devices.

How to protect yourself from planned obsolescence?

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself—or at least delay the effects of planned obsolescence on your cell phone. Here are some practical tips:

1# Research before you buy
Choose brands and models with a track record of durability, good technical support, and frequent updates. Avoid buying based solely on appearance or hype.

2# Take good care of the battery
Avoid leaving your phone charging overnight and don't let the battery run out frequently. These habits help extend its lifespan.

3# Keep the device clean internally
Applications like CCleaner and Files by Google help eliminate unnecessary files that clutter up your system.

4# Avoid unnecessary updates
If your phone's current operating system works well, think twice before installing a new version — especially if it's an older model.

5# Bet on reconditioning
If something stops working, see if it's worth fixing. Replacing the battery, for example, can be much cheaper than buying a new phone.

6# Use fewer heavy applications
Banking apps, social media apps, and games consume a lot of memory. Use lite versions when available.

7# Be aware of consumer guarantees and rights
If your device develops a defect after a short period of use, assert your rights. In some countries and states, laws against planned obsolescence are already in effect.

Is there a law against planned obsolescence?

In Brazil, there is still no specific legislation prohibiting planned obsolescence. However, the Consumer Protection Code guarantees that durable products must have a useful life compatible with the value paid and market expectations.

In Europe, countries like France have already passed laws requiring manufacturers to provide the "estimated lifespan" of products and penalizing strategies that hinder repair. This trend is expected to grow elsewhere, mainly due to pressure from more conscious consumers.

Is planned obsolescence always bad?

Although it always seems negative, some argue that planned obsolescence also has its positive side, such as driving innovation and maintaining a dynamic market. However, the problem arises when this practice is adopted unfairly, intentionally harming consumers without transparency.

The key issue is balance: it's possible to innovate without forcing premature disposal. And it's precisely this discussion that's gaining momentum worldwide, with movements encouraging the "right to repair" and more conscious consumption.

See also: How to request your Inter credit card through the app?

May 19, 2025