Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Planned obsolescence is when companies make things that are designed to stop working or become outdated quickly. This makes people have to buy new things more often. For example, a phone that is designed to only last a few years before it needs to be replaced. This is done on purpose to make more money for the company.
Planned obsolescence is a system or policy where companies deliberately produce consumer goods that will wear out or become outdated after limited use. This is done to induce consumers to buy new items more frequently.
For example, some companies design smartphones with batteries that cannot be easily replaced, forcing consumers to buy a new phone when the battery dies. Another example is when companies release new versions of software that are not compatible with older versions, making the older versions obsolete and forcing consumers to upgrade.
Planned obsolescence can be frustrating for consumers because it means they have to spend more money to keep up with the latest technology. However, it can be profitable for companies because it encourages consumers to buy more products more frequently.