Apple's planned obsolescence incidents: Difference between revisions

(14 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)

Line 1:

{{IncidentCargo

|Company=Apple

|StartDate=

|EndDate=

|Status=Active

|ProductLine=

|Product=

|ArticleType=Product

|Type=Planned Obsolescence

|Description=

}}

[[Apple]] actively makes it near-impossible for third-parties and consumers to repair their products while maintaining their full, intended functionality.

Apple's implementation of planned obsolescence is primarily driven by technological obsolescence, encompassing hardware, firmware, and software limitations. The company's hardware design choices, such as proprietary screws, glued components, and complex internal layouts, make repairs difficult for consumers and third-party repair shops.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353685307_From_Planned_Obsolescence_to_the_Circular_Economy_in_the_Smartphone_Industry_an_evolution_of_strategies_embodied_in_product_features|DOI=10.1017/pds.2021.422|first1=Mário|first2=Eric|last1=Barros|last2=Dimla|journal=Proceedings of the Design Society 1:1607-1616|title=From Planned Obsolescence to the Circular Economy in the Smartphone Industry: an evolution of strategies embodied in product features|date=August 2021}} </ref> Firmware restrictions further limit repairability by disabling key functionalities when non-Apple components are used, as seen in battery and camera replacements, where users receive error messages and lose features like battery health monitoring and Face ID.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Disotto |first=John-Anthony |date=2023-05-16 |title=Does Apple build 'planned obsolescence' into its products? French investigation to find out begins |url=https://www.imore.com/apple/does-apple-build-planned-obsolescence-into-its-products-french-investigation-to-find-out-begins |website=iMore}}</ref>

==Product repair issues and software allegations==

Apple's implementation of planned obsolescence is primarily driven by technological obsolescence, encompassing hardware, firmware, and software limitations. The company's hardware design choices (such as proprietary screws, glued components, and complex internal layouts) make repairs difficult for consumers and third-party repair shops.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353685307_From_Planned_Obsolescence_to_the_Circular_Economy_in_the_Smartphone_Industry_an_evolution_of_strategies_embodied_in_product_features|DOI=10.1017/pds.2021.422|first1=Mário|first2=Eric|last1=Barros|last2=Dimla|journal=Proceedings of the Design Society 1:1607-1616|title=From Planned Obsolescence to the Circular Economy in the Smartphone Industry: an evolution of strategies embodied in product features|date=August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206104504/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353685307_From_Planned_Obsolescence_to_the_Circular_Economy_in_the_Smartphone_Industry_an_evolution_of_strategies_embodied_in_product_features |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}} </ref> Firmware restrictions further limit repairability by disabling key functionalities when non-Apple components are used, as seen in battery and camera replacements, where users receive error messages and lose features like battery health monitoring and Face ID.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Disotto |first=John-Anthony |date=2023-05-16 |title=Does Apple build 'planned obsolescence' into its products? French investigation to find out begins |url=https://www.imore.com/apple/does-apple-build-planned-obsolescence-into-its-products-french-investigation-to-find-out-begins |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805172953/https://www.imore.com/apple/does-apple-build-planned-obsolescence-into-its-products-french-investigation-to-find-out-begins |archive-date=5 Aug 2025|website=iMore}}</ref>

Until recently, software updates also contributed to planned obsolescence by leading to performance degradation. Research has confirmed that Apple's software updates negatively impacted battery performance, often slowing down older devices and making them less functional over time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-03-02 |title=Apple settles iPhone slowdown case for $500m |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51706635 |work=BBC}}</ref> Apple has been criticized for discontinuing software support for older iPhone models, which forces consumers to upgrade to newer devices to maintain essential functions such as web browsing and email.

Until recently, software updates also contributed to planned obsolescence by leading to performance degradation. Research has confirmed that Apple's software updates negatively impacted battery performance, often slowing down older devices and making them less functional over time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-03-02 |title=Apple settles iPhone slowdown case for $500m |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51706635 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303051825/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51706635 |archive-date=2020-03-03 |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=BBC}}</ref> Apple has been criticized for discontinuing software support for older iPhone models, which forces consumers to upgrade to newer devices to maintain essential functions such as web browsing and email.

Despite growing regulatory pressure, Apple continues to control its repair ecosystem by restricting access to spare parts and discouraging third-party repairs. On the French Repairability Index (''[https://www.indicereparabilite.fr Indice de réparabilité]''), the majority of iPhone models obtain a score lower than five out of ten.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indice de réparabilité Smartphone |trans-title=Smartphone repairability scores |url=https://www.indicereparabilite.fr/appareils/multimedia/smartphone/page/3/?orderby=price |access-date=~~13 Feb 2025~~ |website=French Repairability Index |language=fr}}</ref>

Despite growing regulatory pressure, Apple continues to control its repair ecosystem by restricting access to spare parts and discouraging third-party repairs. On the French Repairability Index (''[https://www.indicereparabilite.fr Indice de réparabilité]''), the majority of iPhone models obtain a score lower than five out of ten.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indice de réparabilité Smartphone |trans-title=Smartphone repairability scores |url=https://www.indicereparabilite.fr/appareils/multimedia/smartphone/page/3/?orderby=price |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708171707/https://www.indicereparabilite.fr/appareils/multimedia/smartphone/page/3/?orderby=price |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date= |website=French Repairability Index |language=fr}}</ref>

The EU-mandated transition in charging cables from Lightning to USB-C, affecting all smartphone manufacturers, required updates to existing accessories, reflecting a broader industry-wide standardization rather than forced obsolescence.

==Hardware obsolescence==

Apple's planned obsolescence extends beyond software to hardware. Since the 2008 MacBook Air, Apple has begun soldering the RAM into their laptops. They used proprietary RAM chips, making it impossible for consumers and 3rd-party repair shops to upgrade an ageing machine.

In 2015 on the 12-inch MacBook Pro, Apple began soldering in the SSD, meaning consumers can't upgrade their storage or replace it when it dies. Up until 2017, a failed SSD could be mitigated with an external SSD but Apple decided to move the EFI (bios) to the SSD, meaning if the SSD dies on the laptop it becomes a brick. Failing SSDs should not brick a computer that is made for video editors and professionals.

==Lawsuit==

In December 2022, French prosecutors opened an investigation into Apple over its part-pairing practice, which restricts third-party repairs. HOP, part of the Right to Repair Campaign, had previously filed a complaint, leading to Apple paying €25 million to the French treasury in 2020. HOP argues that this practice fosters planned obsolescence and harms sustainability efforts, advocating for a European ban on part-pairing. The investigation continues as part of broader efforts to protect consumer rights and encourage repairability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Plainte contre Apple: le Procureur de la République ouvre l’enquête |trans-title=Complaint against Apple: the Public Prosecutor opens the investigation |url=https://www.halteobsolescence.org/plainte-contre-apple-le-procureur-de-la-republique-ouvre-lenquete/ |language=fr}}</ref>

In December 2022, French prosecutors opened an investigation into Apple over its part-pairing practice, which restricts third-party repairs. HOP, part of the [[Right to repair|Right to Repair]] Campaign, had previously filed a complaint, leading to Apple paying €25 million to the French treasury in 2020. HOP argues that this practice fosters planned obsolescence and harms sustainability efforts, advocating for a European ban on part-pairing. The investigation continues as part of broader efforts to protect consumer rights and encourage repairability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Plainte contre Apple: le Procureur de la République ouvre l’enquête |trans-title=Complaint against Apple: the Public Prosecutor opens the investigation |url=https://www.halteobsolescence.org/plainte-contre-apple-le-procureur-de-la-republique-ouvre-lenquete/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117133528/https://www.halteobsolescence.org/plainte-contre-apple-le-procureur-de-la-republique-ouvre-lenquete/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>

Legal actions against independent repair shops further solidify its control, making it difficult for users to extend the lifespan of their devices without relying on Apple’s costly repair services.

==References==

~~<references />~~

~~[[Category:Apple IPhones]]~~

[[Category:Incidents]]

[[Category:Lawsuits]]

[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]

[[Category:IPhone]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{StubNotice}}
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:iPhone planned obsolescence incidencies}}
+{{IncidentCargo
+|Company=Apple
+|StartDate=
+|EndDate=
+|Status=Active
+|ProductLine=
+|Product=
+|ArticleType=Product
+|Type=Planned Obsolescence
+|Description=
+}}
+[[Apple]] actively makes it near-impossible for third-parties and consumers to repair their products while maintaining their full, intended functionality.
-Apple's implementation of planned obsolescence is primarily driven by technological obsolescence, encompassing hardware, firmware, and software limitations. The company's hardware design choices, such as proprietary screws, glued components, and complex internal layouts, make repairs difficult for consumers and third-party repair shops.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353685307_From_Planned_Obsolescence_to_the_Circular_Economy_in_the_Smartphone_Industry_an_evolution_of_strategies_embodied_in_product_features|DOI=10.1017/pds.2021.422|first1=Mário|first2=Eric|last1=Barros|last2=Dimla|journal=Proceedings of the Design Society 1:1607-1616|title=From Planned Obsolescence to the Circular Economy in the Smartphone Industry: an evolution of strategies embodied in product features|date=August 2021}} </ref> Firmware restrictions further limit repairability by disabling key functionalities when non-Apple components are used, as seen in battery and camera replacements, where users receive error messages and lose features like battery health monitoring and Face ID.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Disotto |first=John-Anthony |date=2023-05-16 |title=Does Apple build 'planned obsolescence' into its products? French investigation to find out begins |url=https://www.imore.com/apple/does-apple-build-planned-obsolescence-into-its-products-french-investigation-to-find-out-begins |website=iMore}}</ref>
+==Product repair issues and software allegations==
+Apple's implementation of planned obsolescence is primarily driven by technological obsolescence, encompassing hardware, firmware, and software limitations. The company's hardware design choices (such as proprietary screws, glued components, and complex internal layouts) make repairs difficult for consumers and third-party repair shops.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353685307_From_Planned_Obsolescence_to_the_Circular_Economy_in_the_Smartphone_Industry_an_evolution_of_strategies_embodied_in_product_features|DOI=10.1017/pds.2021.422|first1=Mário|first2=Eric|last1=Barros|last2=Dimla|journal=Proceedings of the Design Society 1:1607-1616|title=From Planned Obsolescence to the Circular Economy in the Smartphone Industry: an evolution of strategies embodied in product features|date=August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206104504/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353685307_From_Planned_Obsolescence_to_the_Circular_Economy_in_the_Smartphone_Industry_an_evolution_of_strategies_embodied_in_product_features |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}} </ref> Firmware restrictions further limit repairability by disabling key functionalities when non-Apple components are used, as seen in battery and camera replacements, where users receive error messages and lose features like battery health monitoring and Face ID.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Disotto |first=John-Anthony |date=2023-05-16 |title=Does Apple build 'planned obsolescence' into its products? French investigation to find out begins |url=https://www.imore.com/apple/does-apple-build-planned-obsolescence-into-its-products-french-investigation-to-find-out-begins |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250805172953/https://www.imore.com/apple/does-apple-build-planned-obsolescence-into-its-products-french-investigation-to-find-out-begins |archive-date=5 Aug 2025|website=iMore}}</ref>
-Until recently, software updates also contributed to planned obsolescence by leading to performance degradation. Research has confirmed that Apple's software updates negatively impacted battery performance, often slowing down older devices and making them less functional over time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-03-02 |title=Apple settles iPhone slowdown case for $500m |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51706635 |work=BBC}}</ref> Apple has been criticized for discontinuing software support for older iPhone models, which forces consumers to upgrade to newer devices to maintain essential functions such as web browsing and email.
+Until recently, software updates also contributed to planned obsolescence by leading to performance degradation. Research has confirmed that Apple's software updates negatively impacted battery performance, often slowing down older devices and making them less functional over time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-03-02 |title=Apple settles iPhone slowdown case for $500m |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51706635 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303051825/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51706635 |archive-date=2020-03-03 |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=BBC}}</ref> Apple has been criticized for discontinuing software support for older iPhone models, which forces consumers to upgrade to newer devices to maintain essential functions such as web browsing and email.
-Despite growing regulatory pressure, Apple continues to control its repair ecosystem by restricting access to spare parts and discouraging third-party repairs. On the French Repairability Index (''[https://www.indicereparabilite.fr Indice de réparabilité]''), the majority of iPhone models obtain a score lower than five out of ten.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indice de réparabilité Smartphone |trans-title=Smartphone repairability scores |url=https://www.indicereparabilite.fr/appareils/multimedia/smartphone/page/3/?orderby=price |access-date=13 Feb 2025 |website=French Repairability Index |language=fr}}</ref>
+Despite growing regulatory pressure, Apple continues to control its repair ecosystem by restricting access to spare parts and discouraging third-party repairs. On the French Repairability Index (''[https://www.indicereparabilite.fr Indice de réparabilité]''), the majority of iPhone models obtain a score lower than five out of ten.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indice de réparabilité Smartphone |trans-title=Smartphone repairability scores |url=https://www.indicereparabilite.fr/appareils/multimedia/smartphone/page/3/?orderby=price |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708171707/https://www.indicereparabilite.fr/appareils/multimedia/smartphone/page/3/?orderby=price |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date= |website=French Repairability Index |language=fr}}</ref>
 The EU-mandated transition in charging cables from Lightning to USB-C, affecting all smartphone manufacturers, required updates to existing accessories, reflecting a broader industry-wide standardization rather than forced obsolescence.
+==Hardware obsolescence==
+Apple's planned obsolescence extends beyond software to hardware. Since the 2008 MacBook Air, Apple has begun soldering the RAM into their laptops. They used proprietary RAM chips, making it impossible for consumers and 3rd-party repair shops to upgrade an ageing machine.
+In 2015 on the 12-inch MacBook Pro, Apple began soldering in the SSD, meaning consumers can't upgrade their storage or replace it when it dies. Up until 2017, a failed SSD could be mitigated with an external SSD but Apple decided to move the EFI (bios) to the SSD, meaning if the SSD dies on the laptop it becomes a brick. Failing SSDs should not brick a computer that is made for video editors and professionals.
 ==Lawsuit==
-In December 2022, French prosecutors opened an investigation into Apple over its part-pairing practice, which restricts third-party repairs. HOP, part of the Right to Repair Campaign, had previously filed a complaint, leading to Apple paying €25 million to the French treasury in 2020. HOP argues that this practice fosters planned obsolescence and harms sustainability efforts, advocating for a European ban on part-pairing. The investigation continues as part of broader efforts to protect consumer rights and encourage repairability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Plainte contre Apple: le Procureur de la République ouvre l’enquête |trans-title=Complaint against Apple: the Public Prosecutor opens the investigation |url=https://www.halteobsolescence.org/plainte-contre-apple-le-procureur-de-la-republique-ouvre-lenquete/ |language=fr}}</ref>
+In December 2022, French prosecutors opened an investigation into Apple over its part-pairing practice, which restricts third-party repairs. HOP, part of the [[Right to repair|Right to Repair]] Campaign, had previously filed a complaint, leading to Apple paying €25 million to the French treasury in 2020. HOP argues that this practice fosters planned obsolescence and harms sustainability efforts, advocating for a European ban on part-pairing. The investigation continues as part of broader efforts to protect consumer rights and encourage repairability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Plainte contre Apple: le Procureur de la République ouvre l’enquête |trans-title=Complaint against Apple: the Public Prosecutor opens the investigation |url=https://www.halteobsolescence.org/plainte-contre-apple-le-procureur-de-la-republique-ouvre-lenquete/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251117133528/https://www.halteobsolescence.org/plainte-contre-apple-le-procureur-de-la-republique-ouvre-lenquete/ |archive-date=17 Nov 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>
 Legal actions against independent repair shops further solidify its control, making it difficult for users to extend the lifespan of their devices without relying on Apple’s costly repair services.
 ==References==
-<references />
+{{reflist}}
-[[Category:Apple IPhones]]
 [[Category:Incidents]]
 [[Category:Lawsuits]]
 [[Category:Planned obsolescence]]
+[[Category:IPhone]]