Electronics are built with death dates. Let’s not keep them a secret.

This article critiques the environmental and consumer impacts of devices designed with non-replaceable batteries, which shorten product lifespans and fuel e-waste. Many electronics—from smartphones and tablets to toothbrushes—are engineered to become obsolete once their batteries degrade, forcing consumers into costly upgrades rather than repairs. For example, Apple’s iPhones lack user-serviceable batteries, while Philips’ Sonicare toothbrushes require a hammer to disassemble, highlighting designs that prioritize profit over sustainability. The article notes recycling programs often fail to address the core issue, as recovering materials from old devices is inefficient and insufficient to meet demand for new products.

To combat this, the author advocates for greater transparency: labeling products with battery recharge limits and replacement costs, akin to France’s 2021 “repairability score” law requiring products to be rated on a 1–10 scale for ease of repair. Such policies have already spurred companies to redesign products to last longer. The U.S. right-to-repair movement could similarly mandate that manufacturers provide tools and instructions for repairs, even if batteries are sealed inside devices.

Environmental advocates argue stricter regulations—like EU proposals to ban non-user-replaceable batteries in smartphones and tablets—are essential. This shift could save consumers billions and slash emissions by 30% by 2030. However, challenges remain, such as balancing water-resistant design claims with accessibility for repairs. The article also stresses consumer responsibility: resisting the allure of frequent upgrades driven by marketing, recognizing that minor improvements often justify high replacement costs.

Ultimately, the piece calls for systemic change—combining policy reforms (e.g., mandatory repair labels) and cultural shifts toward valuing longevity over disposability. It challenges the notion that consumers truly “own” devices if they cannot maintain or fix them, urging a return to tech literacy and sustainable practices to combat the environmental crisis driven by planned obsolescence.