Planned obsolescence: mechanisms, evidence, and alternatives
Reading time: 6 minutes · Sources: ADEME, Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP)
The word we use too much, and use wrong
“Planned obsolescence” has become a convenient shorthand for everything that’s wrong with consumer technology. That shorthand is often inaccurate, and the inaccuracy does the debate a disservice.
Strictly speaking, planned obsolescence refers to a deliberate strategy of shortening a product’s lifespan to speed up its replacement. It’s an intentional act, difficult to prove legally, and often confused with distinct phenomena: poor design, economic constraints, or the normal evolution of technology.
Telling these mechanisms apart helps us better understand which ones can be challenged and which ones can be worked around.
The four mechanisms to know
Technical obsolescence: A key component fails within a predictable timeframe, or repair is made economically irrational. Sealed, non-replaceable batteries, spare parts unavailable after a few years, glued assembly that makes any intervention impossible. This mechanism is well documented and has been the subject of legal proceedings in several countries.
Software obsolescence: Updates deliberately slow down older devices or make them incompatible with new applications. Apple acknowledged in 2017 that it had slowed down certain iPhone models through software updates, citing battery protection. Fines followed in Europe. This is one of the rare cases where the practice was officially established.
Parts obsolescence: Manufacturers stop producing spare parts shortly after the warranty period ends. Without available parts, repair becomes impossible, even when the device is otherwise functional.
Perceived obsolescence: The device works. It isn’t faulty. But marketing creates a sense of it being outdated, pushing people to replace it: a new design, a new colour, a campaign highlighting what the old model can’t do. It’s legal. It’s effective. And it’s one of the most widespread forms.
The legal framework in Quebec: forward-thinking legislation
Quebec has some of the most advanced legislation on this issue in North America. On October 3, 2023, the National Assembly unanimously passed Bill 29: An Act to protect consumers from planned obsolescence and to promote the durability, repairability and maintenance of goods. This is a major amendment to the Consumer Protection Act, one that puts Quebec clearly ahead of other Canadian provinces.
In practical terms, the law now prohibits selling goods whose normal operating life has been deliberately limited. It also introduces a legal warranty of good working order for several categories of new electronic devices and household appliances.
As of October 5, 2025, new obligations have come into effect for retailers and manufacturers. Right from the shopping stage, consumers now have access to information on the availability of spare parts and repair services before they even make a purchase. Parts must be offered at a reasonable price, and their installation must be possible using common tools. Manufacturers are also required to make the technical information needed for maintenance and repair publicly accessible.
Other measures under the law will come into effect gradually until 2026. The Office de la protection du consommateur is responsible for overseeing compliance.
At the federal level, the departments of Economic Development and Environment held consultations on the right to repair in 2024, and other provinces are considering similar rules. Quebec stands out as a frontrunner.
Alternatives that already exist
In response to these obsolescence mechanisms, concrete solutions already exist—among consumers, organizations, and some manufacturers.
The repairability index rates products on how easy they are to repair: parts accessibility, availability of technical documentation, and ease of disassembly. It’s now displayed on several categories of devices in France and is starting to influence purchasing decisions in North America.
The right to repair is advancing in several jurisdictions. The European Union has adopted regulations requiring manufacturers to make spare parts available for a minimum of 7 to 10 years, depending on the category. Similar discussions are underway in Canada.
The Right to Repair movement is pushing for users and independent repair shops to have access to the tools, parts, and information needed to repair devices without being blocked by software locks or patents.
Some manufacturers have made durability a differentiator: Fairphone designs phones with user-replaceable components. Other brands offer ten-year warranties on their products. These examples remain marginal, but they show that industrial alternatives are possible.
What this means for your decisions
Before buying: Check the repairability index, parts availability, and the length of software support promised by the manufacturer. A device whose software support ends in two years is a device with two guaranteed years of useful life—no more.
Before discarding: Consult a repair technician. Repair is often possible where it seems impossible, and often less costly than replacement once you factor in the value of your data and the time it takes to switch to something new.
Facing a device slowed down by an update: Know that software alternatives exist (lightweight operating systems, optimized browsers) that can restore smooth performance to older hardware without requiring a replacement.
Sources: Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP) · ADEME, Report on the Lifespan of Electronic Equipment
