Smartphone: There's a concept called planned obsolescence. This means designing a product so that it becomes less useful over time.

When you buy a smartphone, it often seems like it will deliver excellent performance for a long time, but after a few months or years, it starts to slow down. The battery drains faster, apps don't run as smoothly, and the overall experience becomes dull. While the phone isn't completely broken, it can become inconvenient enough to make you want a new device. Until now, this was considered normal, but European Union policymakers are seeing a different story.

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In fact, there's a concept called planned obsolescence. This means that a product is designed to become less useful over time. In the case of smartphones, this gradually manifests as battery capacity decreases, software updates stop, and repair options become limited. As a result, users are left with little choice but to purchase a new phone.

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The battery plays a crucial role in this entire process. Every battery's capacity degrades over time, but sometimes the effects become more pronounced. In 2017, Apple was involved in a case where the company admitted to slowing down the performance of older iPhone models. At the time, this was attributed to battery safety, but it became clear that battery health directly impacts the phone experience.

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Another significant change in today's smartphones compared to the past is the near-disappearance of removable batteries. Most phones now feature sealed designs that are difficult to open. Companies attribute this to features like slim design and waterproofing, but the downside is that battery replacement becomes expensive and difficult. For example, there have been reports of battery-related problems with Google Pixel devices, forcing many users to replace the entire device.

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Nowadays, it's becoming more common to buy a new phone than to get it repaired. Spare parts shortages, expensive service charges, and limited software support further fuel this trend. Companies have complete control over the repair ecosystem, which indirectly limits the device's lifespan.

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The European Union now wants to change this entire system. New regulations are being introduced to ensure that smartphones are more durable and easier to repair. These include requirements such as long-lasting batteries, longer availability of spare parts, and better software support. Additionally, there's an emphasis on providing third-party repairers with the necessary tools and information.

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The impact of these regulations may not be limited to Europe. Companies don't typically design devices for each market, so the changes could impact other countries, such as India. Discussions are also gaining momentum here around issues like the right to repair, which could give users more rights in the future.

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The real question is who should have the right to determine a device's lifespan: companies or users. New measures from the European Union are attempting to shift this balance. If these rules are implemented effectively, users will be able to use their smartphones for longer periods of time and won't be forced to purchase new devices frequently.