Smartphones: The Upgrade Trap

 Disposable tech fuels e-waste epidemic!

Apple's iPhone 17 is yet to launch, but they are already teasing iPhone 18 and beyond since the past many months. It's like they are trying to keep us hooked with promises of future upgrades. Meanwhile, our current iPhones become obsolete after a few years, and we are left with devices that no longer receive software updates or security patches. And to make matters worse, e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart are fueling this cycle with glossy advertorials and "super discounts" on older iPhone models like iPhone 14, 15, and 16. But the reality is, these phones are already nearing the end of their software update and security patch lifecycle. That means you are not just paying the upfront cost, but also hidden costs down the line, like compromised security and outdated features. It's a clever marketing tactic, but not exactly a great deal for consumers.

Android manufacturers like Samsung aren't much better. Their premium phones are expensive, and they often abandon support after a few years. Samsung even tried to develop its own operating system, Bada OS and later Tizen OS, but did not gain much traction. Microsoft also had its own mobile ambition with Windows Mobile, but despite initial market presence, it ultimately failed to sustain itself. Ubuntu, the popular open-source operating system, also attempted to enter the smartphone market with Ubuntu Touch, but unfortunately, it's no longer a viable player in the space. It's frustrating that we are stuck with these two giants - Apple's iOS and Google's Android. No other company has been able to challenge their dominance.

Huawei, the Chinese Tech giant often pitched against Apple's iPhone, has been working on its own operating system, Harmony OS, in an attempt to break free from Android. While it's still in development, it's a step in the right direction. However, the result of this dominance is that we are forced to upgrade our phones every few years, generating massive amounts of e-waste and draining our wallets. Joy!

It's time for legislation to step in and ensure that smartphones are built to last. We need phones that can receive software updates and security patches for atleast a decade. This would not only benefit users but also reduce e-waste. Take Fairphone, for example, a Dutch social enterprise that designs modular, repairable, and upgradable smartphones made from responsibly sourced materials. They prioritise sustainability, fair labour practices, and long-term support, showing that a more responsible approach to smartphone manufacturing is possible. Until then, it's clear that some tech giants' sustainability claims might be more about PR than actual impact, and that's just green-washing. We need real change, not just clever marketing.

We need industry forums like the Mobile World Congress and tech-savvy groups to push for change. Governments must also play a role in regulating tech giants and ensuring that they prioritise user needs over profits. Can we make it happen? It's possible, but it will take effort and determination from all stakeholders involved. And maybe, just maybe, we will be able to keep our phones and our wallets intact.

Follow/Subscribe   TimesView Blogspot