Planned obsolescence is a business strategy where a company designs a product with a limited lifespan, intentionally making it obsolete or outdated after a certain period of time to encourage consumers to purchase newer versions. This practice is used in many industries, including technology, automobiles, and fashion.

The goal of planned obsolescence is to generate repeat sales and maintain a steady stream of revenue for the company. By creating products that are designed to fail or become outdated, companies can create a constant demand for new products, driving sales and profits.

Critics of planned obsolescence argue that it is wasteful and harmful to the environment, as discarded products contribute to pollution and waste. They also argue that the practice can be unethical, as it can take advantage of consumers by intentionally creating products that do not last as long as they should.

Proponents of planned obsolescence argue that it is necessary for economic growth, as it creates jobs and drives innovation. They also argue that consumers benefit from new and improved products, even if it means replacing older ones.

Planned obsolescence can take many forms, including designing products with non-replaceable batteries or components, using materials that degrade over time, and limiting software updates for older products.