Technology is in a constant state of flux. The rapid pace at which we advance means that the tools and gadgets we rely on today may become obsolete within just a decade or two. As we approach 2035, several technologies that we now consider essential might be nothing more than distant memories. Here’s a look at the top 10 everyday technologies in 2025 that will likely vanish by 2035.
10. Wired Earbuds and Headphones
The simple act of plugging in your earbuds may soon seem like a relic of the past. With the rise of wireless technology and innovations like bone-conduction sound and brainwave-controlled interfaces, wired audio devices are set to become obsolete.
Why?
- Wireless Revolution: Bluetooth and emerging wireless communication technologies will dominate the audio space, offering superior convenience and quality.
- Integration with Wearables: We’ll increasingly see earphones seamlessly integrated into wearable devices, eliminating the need for separate accessories.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Earbuds | Wired and wireless | Fully integrated with wearables, no wires |
9. Physical Wallets
In an era where digital payments, cryptocurrencies, and biometrics are gaining traction, physical wallets will soon be a thing of the past. From smart cards to biometric authentication, carrying a leather wallet will no longer be necessary.
Why?
- Cashless Society: A transition toward purely digital transactions will phase out the need for physical wallets, as smartphones, smartwatches, and even implanted chips will handle payments.
- Cryptocurrency Growth: As cryptocurrencies become the norm, the need to carry paper money or coins will diminish drastically.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Wallets | Physical wallets for cash and cards | Digital wallets, embedded payment systems |
8. Cable TV
Traditional cable television, once the center of entertainment in households, is on its last legs. With streaming platforms overtaking conventional channels and on-demand viewing becoming the norm, cable subscriptions will gradually disappear.
Why?
- Streaming Dominance: Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are offering highly personalized content, and newer platforms will only enhance the experience.
- Cost Efficiency: Cutting the cord offers significant savings compared to costly cable packages that bundle channels most people never watch.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Cable TV | Subscription-based services like Comcast | Streaming and on-demand-only viewing |
7. Physical Keys
From house keys to car keys, these small pieces of metal have served us for centuries. But in the near future, keys may be replaced by far more sophisticated technologies that don’t require physical interaction.
Why?
- Smartlocks: Biometric and smartphone-based access systems will become ubiquitous, allowing for keyless entry into homes, cars, and even offices.
- Increased Security: Digital locks offer better security features, such as remote access and tracking.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | Physical keys for doors and cars | Digital access, biometrics |
6. Fax Machines
Despite being an office staple in the 90s and early 2000s, fax machines are rapidly being replaced by more efficient communication tools. By 2035, the days of sending faxes will likely be long behind us.
Why?
- Email and Digital Signatures: With the rise of digital signatures and secure document sharing services, the need for physical documents to be faxed will diminish.
- Cloud-based Communication: Services that allow instant and secure document sharing have already made faxing a dated concept.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Fax Machines | Still in use in certain industries | Fully replaced by cloud services |
5. Traditional Laptops
Although laptops will not disappear entirely, the traditional form factor of the laptop is likely to evolve significantly. As we advance into 2035, portable computing will take on new shapes and functionalities.
Why?
- Flexible Screens: Foldable and rollable display technologies will provide greater portability and a more immersive experience, leading to the phasing out of rigid, clunky laptops.
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR will take over many functions currently handled by laptops, especially in areas like entertainment, work, and education.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Laptops | Portable but bulky laptops | Foldable screens, AR-powered computing |
4. Gas-Powered Vehicles
In 2025, gasoline-powered cars are still common on the roads, but the shift toward electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles is accelerating. By 2035, it’s likely that gas-powered vehicles will be a rarity, if they exist at all.
Why?
- Electric and Hydrogen Engines: As battery technology improves, electric vehicles (EVs) will become more efficient, affordable, and sustainable, surpassing the need for gas engines.
- Environmental Impact: The growing demand for green technology and stringent emission regulations will make gas-powered vehicles uncompetitive and undesirable.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Vehicles | Dominant transportation option | Almost completely replaced by EVs |
3. Handheld Cameras
The conventional handheld camera—whether it’s a professional DSLR or a basic point-and-shoot—is quickly being replaced by smartphones that offer equal or superior image quality.
Why?
- Smartphone Camera Advancements: Phones are equipped with advanced AI, multiple lenses, and improved sensors, making them powerful all-in-one devices.
- Convenience: Smartphones offer more than just photography—they also provide instant sharing, editing, and cloud storage, making dedicated cameras less necessary.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Cameras | Standalone professional and casual cameras | Fully replaced by smartphone capabilities |
2. Paper-Based Books
While books are not going to vanish completely, the traditional paper format will become an increasingly rare choice. E-readers and digital books will dominate in the coming decade.
Why?
- E-Readers and Digital Libraries: Devices like Kindle will continue to improve, offering a more portable, space-saving solution for book lovers.
- Environmental Impact: As society becomes more conscious of environmental sustainability, digital reading will significantly reduce the demand for paper.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Books | Popular format for personal reading | Dominated by e-books and digital formats |
1. Human-Operated Cash Registers
The last of the traditional cash register systems is already in its twilight. By 2035, human-operated registers will likely have been entirely replaced by automated self-checkout systems, robotic cashiers, and AI-powered payment solutions.
Why?
- Automation: With advancements in AI and robotics, checkout processes will become entirely automated, reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency.
- Contactless Payments: As NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology continues to evolve, paying for goods and services will become even more seamless and instantaneous.
| Technology | 2025 Trend | 2035 Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Registers | Still in use in many stores | Fully automated checkout systems |
Conclusion
The world is changing faster than we can often anticipate. The everyday technologies we take for granted today will soon fade into history, replaced by more efficient, sustainable, and futuristic solutions. This evolution is driven by the growing needs for convenience, sustainability, and security, as well as the incredible pace of technological innovation. By 2035, we may look back on the tech of 2025 with a sense of nostalgia, but also a realization that the next wave of innovation is already on the horizon, reshaping our lives in ways we haven’t even imagined yet.
