Qwikster (2011): did it need fixing?

2011

Netflix

Before: Netflix: DVDs by mail and streaming, one account, one website.
The fix: Split the plans with a price hike, then said DVDs would move to a separate site called Qwikster.
Then: Netflix lost 800,000 US subscribers that quarter. Reed Hastings killed Qwikster on October 10, 2011, about three weeks after announcing it.

Took it back

Qwikster never launched. The price increase stayed.

Your call

Source: npr.org

More fixes nobody asked for

2024

Sonos

Before: A Sonos app that worked, alarms and sleep timers included.
The fix: Shipped a rebuilt app in May 2024 without alarms, sleep timers, queue editing and some accessibility features.
Then: Some older systems became nearly unusable. Sonos said the fix would cost $20 million to $30 million, and CEO Patrick Spence stepped down in January 2025.

Half took it back

The old app never came back. The missing features trickled back over months.

Your call

2016

Kraft Heinz

Before: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, colored orange with artificial dyes.
The fix: Swapped the artificial dyes and preservatives for paprika, annatto and turmeric, and told nobody.
Then: Kraft waited until about 50 million boxes had sold before announcing the change in March 2016. The ad campaign was built on the fact that nobody noticed.

Kept it.

The new recipe stayed.

Your call

2016

Mondelez

Before: Toblerone: a bar of evenly spaced chocolate triangles.
The fix: In the UK, removed two peaks and widened the gaps, making bars about 10% lighter for the same price.
Then: British shoppers noticed immediately. Mondelez later admitted the new shape had not been 'a perfect long-term answer.'

Took it back

Original shape back in 2018, in a bigger 200g bar.

Your call