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When Amazon ends support for perfectly working Kindles, critics point to planned obsolescence in tech. But what does that mean?
What Is Planned Obsolescence in Tech?
Planned obsolescence in tech is the practice of designing products with an artificially limited lifespan. Companies do this to force consumers to buy newer models.
There are several types:
- Software obsolescence: Stopping updates or store access
- Battery obsolescence: Using non-replaceable batteries
- Compatibility obsolescence: New features require new hardware
Is the Kindle Support Ending an Example?
Amazon says no. The company claims old hardware cannot handle modern security and features. But critics argue that a device that still works should not be “soft-bricked.”
The Restart Project calls the Kindle move “a textbook case of planned obsolescence in tech.”
The Bigger Picture
Planned obsolescence in tech generates millions of tons of e-waste annually. The EU and several US states are considering “right to repair” laws to fight it.
What You Can Do
- Buy repairable devices
- Support right-to-repair legislation
- Keep devices longer despite software cutoffs
Understanding planned obsolescence in tech helps you make smarter consumer choices.
