I recently listened to a tech podcast — Apple was mentioned several times as being one of the principal culprits in restricting customers from getting their electronics repaired. It is not alone in using planned obsolescence, [but] it seems to be taking it to a greater level with each new update to its devices. You used to be able to replace memory or upgrade it yourself on a Mac mini, for instance, but now you are stuck with whatever is there when you open the box. Apple makes it virtually impossible for you or a third party to replace a phone battery or screen. Nearly all components are soldered or glued into place. The podcast said Apple won’t repair products that are over five years old. To give Apple its due, it does release security updates for five years on phones, while many cheaper Android phones lose support after only two years.
There is talk of legislation giving consumers the right to repair appliances and electronics, but most manufacturers are swimming in the opposite direction. In France it’s illegal to design in obsolescence.