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Geplante Obsoleszenz
The battery no longer lasts, spare parts are not available, updates stop coming: many devices are replaced even though they still work at their core. The accusation of planned obsolescence is then often raised. Here you can read what the term means, what is proven and how the EU is countering it.
In brief
Planned obsolescence is the deliberate shortening of a product's lifespan by the manufacturer so that customers buy a new one sooner. In the broader sense, the term covers all reasons why devices become unusable or unattractive prematurely – technical, functional, economic or psychological. The topic matters for IT because longer use and reuse of hardware saves costs and resources.
Forms of obsolescence
Obsolescence means "becoming outdated". A study commissioned by the German Environment Agency distinguishes four forms. It also shows that not every short lifespan is intentional.
| Form | Significance | Example from IT |
|---|---|---|
| Material-related | Components wear out or fail | Battery loses capacity, hinges break |
| Functional | Device no longer meets new requirements | No updates, new software needs more performance |
| Psychological | Device seems outdated even though it works | New model, new design |
| Economic | Repair is not worthwhile | Spare part more expensive than a new device |
The 2016 study found no evidence that manufacturers systematically build in deliberate weak points. It did show, however, that cost pressure, missing spare parts, short update periods and purchasing behavior significantly shorten the period of use. A frequently cited historical example is a cartel of incandescent lamp manufacturers that limited the lifespan of its lamps to 1,000 hours in the 1920s.
What the EU is doing about it
As of 10/2026. Several EU rules are meant to make devices more durable and repairable:
- Ecodesign for smartphones and tablets: Since June 20, 2025, obligations apply including spare parts for seven years and operating system updates for at least five years after the end of placing on the market.
- Ecodesign Regulation (ESPR): The framework allows requirements for durability, repairability and upgradability for further product groups.
- Right to repair: EU Directive 2024/1799 had to be transposed into national law by July 31, 2026. It obliges manufacturers of certain product groups to offer repairs.
In France, planned obsolescence has even been a criminal offense since 2015. In Germany there is no separate criminal offense.
Significance for companies
Companies cannot abolish obsolescence, but they can limit its consequences. Those who pay attention to repairability, spare parts and long updates when purchasing use devices for longer. Those who do not dispose of hardware after replacement but have it refurbished give it a second life. This turns the End of Life in your own company into a new usage cycle at another. Devices that go back into the market as refurbished replace new goods. More thoughts on this in the article Sustainable IT strategy against throwaway culture.
Relation to Second IT
Second IT prioritizes reuse over recycling. Devices are tested, repaired and refurbished – for example by replacing batteries, fans or hard drives – and then resold via online shop and store. Second IT has already refurbished over 180,000 devices. More on Refurbishment at Second IT.
Frequently asked questions about planned obsolescence
Does planned obsolescence really exist?
Deliberately built-in weak points are hard to prove. A study commissioned by the German Environment Agency found no systematic evidence for them in 2016. What is well documented, however, is that missing spare parts, short updates and high repair costs push devices out of use prematurely.
Is planned obsolescence prohibited?
In France it has been a criminal offense since 2015. In Germany there is no express prohibition. The EU instead relies on obligations regarding repairability, spare parts and updates (as of 10/2026).
What can companies do about obsolescence?
Buy durable, repairable devices, take updates and spare parts into account when purchasing, repair devices instead of replacing them and have decommissioned hardware refurbished instead of disposing of it.
How long do manufacturers have to provide updates and spare parts for smartphones?
Ecodesign obligations have applied to smartphones and tablets since June 20, 2025. Spare parts must be provided for seven years, operating system updates for at least five years after the end of placing on the market (as of 10/2026).
Is every early device failure planned obsolescence?
No. Not every short lifespan is intentional. Components can simply wear out, such as a battery. Cost pressure, missing spare parts, short update periods and purchasing behavior also shorten the period of use. For deliberate weak points, a 2016 study found no systematic evidence.
Have decommissioned IT refurbished instead of disposing of it.
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