At this point smartphones, laptops, and other similar devices are necessary for daily life in the US. Like if I did not have a phone and a laptop, I couldn't hold down a job, it would be extremely difficult to access public transportation, my education depended upon my ability to access the internet, etc. Tech companies know that their products are indispensable. So do they make products that last? No of course not, they need you buying a new device every two years. That just makes sense under capitalism. But ofc this system spreads far beyond our borders; this system of planned obsolescence is supported by the plunder of the global south for lithium (like in Bolivia) and cobalt (like in Congo).
The imperialist extraction of resources could be challenged if, say, we could repair a device rather than needing to purchase a new one. Companies like apple know this, and have gone out of their way to make such things impossible just to continue making shit products for too much money. It sucks!