A Mouse That Demands a Subscription? Really, Logitech?

Update: Logitech denied on Wednesday that it is developing a "forever mouse" with a subscription fee for regular software updates. This comes after its CEO's comments about potentially introducing such a product in the future were met with immediate backlash.

Imagine this: you buy a new mouse, sleek and well-designed, expecting it to last you a good few years, only to find out you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee to keep it functioning at its best.

Sounds absurd, right?

Yet, this is exactly the idea Logitech is toying with—a “forever mouse” that comes with a subscription fee for regular software updates.

A forever mouse? What a fantastically environmental idea. But with a subscription fee?

Ehhhh...

A Subscription Fee Too Far

The concept was introduced by Logitech’s CEO Hanneke Faber during a podcast interview, where she compared the proposed forever mouse to a watch.

The argument is that just like a well-made watch, a quality mouse should last forever with the help of constant software updates.

The catch?

These updates wouldn’t come for free. You can't sell a one-off product which promises to last forever and not charge a monthly fee for it, right? Logitech’s apparent aim is to make premium devices that can be updated over time.

While this sounds like a noble endeavour towards sustainability, the underlying implication is clear: customers need to fork out continuous payments for a device they’ve already purchased.

Plus, it's a mouse. Exactly what can they improve upon? If a mouse could be theoretically made better via updates, that would suggest the hardware was capable in the first place.

Unfortunately, this is something we're now seeing in the car industry. However BMW eventually backed down from their subscription-only heated seats plan after significant backlash.

Is this a genuine effort to create lasting, high-quality products, or just a clever way to extract more money from consumers? Probably a bit of both, according to Faber.

"In our innovation center there, one of our team members showed me a forever mouse with the comparison to a watch. This is a nice watch, not a super expensive watch, but I’m not planning to throw that watch away ever. So why would I be throwing my mouse or my keyboard away if it’s a fantastic-quality, well-designed, software-enabled mouse." - Hanneke Faber talking to The Verge

There was quite a bit of political manoeuvring, even when Nilay Patel directly asked if a subscription was being considered for the so-called forever mouse. Patel sounded incredulous, though it’s unclear if Faber noticed.

Subscription Fatigue

Think about it: a mouse is a one-time purchase, typically affordable and expected to last several years. Yet, Logitech’s proposal means that owning a functional mouse could now resemble subscribing to a streaming service.

It’s an added cost for something as simple as using a computer mouse, something we all rely on daily without much thought. What’s even more baffling is the notion that people would “never have to worry about their mice again” under this subscription model.

Last time I checked, my main concerns about a mouse are whether it clicks and moves the cursor properly—not whether it has the latest software updates.

Even considering Logitech’s idea of a trade-in program, akin to the iPhone Upgrade Program, doesn’t alleviate the absurdity. Trading in a mouse for a newer model to keep up with software updates seems like overkill for a device meant to perform basic tasks.

It’s worth noting that the average customer spends about $26 on a mouse. According to Faber, this is “really so low” for something used daily, suggesting there’s room to create more value.

But does adding a subscription fee genuinely add value, or does it just add another layer of unnecessary expense? In an age where subscriptions are already saturating our lives—from streaming services to software—do we need another one for our mice?

Logitech’s proposal may be intriguing from a business perspective, but it overlooks the simplicity and straightforward functionality consumers expect from everyday devices like a mouse.

Ultimately, a subscription-based forever mouse feels like a solution in search of a problem.

Instead of complicating our lives with yet another subscription, maybe it’s better to focus on creating durable, high-quality products that don’t need constant updates to stay relevant.

After all, sometimes less is more, even in the tech world.

It's worth pointing out that Logitech has no plans to release a product like this any time soon. Frankly, we hope it never comes to fruition.