10 Everyday Things That Could Be Obsolete in the Next 10 Years
Many everyday items might disappear in the next decade due to technology, sustainability efforts, and changing habits.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Think about all the things you use every day. Some of them might not be around much longer. Technology is developing fast, and old habits are being replaced by faster, easier, and greener options. Cash, car keys, and even plastic bags could soon be things of the past. The world is changing quickly, and these everyday items might not make the cut.
1. Physical Wallets
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Cashless payments and digital wallets are making traditional wallets unnecessary. More people use mobile payment apps, and stores increasingly accept contactless transactions. In the near future, carrying a physical wallet may feel as outdated as using a checkbook.
2. Car Keys
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Car manufacturers are phasing out traditional keys in favor of keyless entry and smartphone-based access. Many new vehicles already offer app-controlled unlocking and starting. In a few years, car keys may be obsolete.
3. Remote Controls
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Voice commands, smart assistants, and mobile apps are replacing physical remotes. TVs and smart home devices now respond to voice activation or hands-free gestures. Soon, remote controls, like VCRs, may be outdated.
4. Paper Receipts
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Digital receipts are becoming the norm as businesses go paperless. Many stores now offer email or text receipts to reduce waste and streamline transactions. Traditional printed receipts may disappear altogether.
5. Standalone GPS Devices
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Smartphones have made standalone GPS devices nearly obsolete. With real-time traffic updates and built-in navigation apps, fewer people rely on dedicated GPS units, and the need for separate navigation devices will soon disappear entirely.
6. Traditional Alarm Clocks
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Smartphones, smartwatches, and home assistants have replaced traditional alarm clocks. With customizable alarms and sleep-tracking features, old-school clocks are becoming unnecessary. The classic bedside clock may soon be a relic of the past.
7. Landline Phones
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As mobile phones dominate, landlines are becoming rare. Many households and businesses have already ditched them in favor of smartphones and VolP services. In a decade, wired phones may be completely phased out.
8. Physical Business Cards
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Digital networking is replacing traditional business cards. QR codes, LinkedIn, and virtual contact-sharing apps make exchanging information easier and more eco-friendly. In a few years, physical business cards may disappear entirely.
9. Plastic Shopping Bags
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Many countries are banning plastic bags to reduce waste. Reusable and biodegradable alternatives are becoming the standard in stores. Traditional plastic shopping bags may soon be a thing of the past.
10. DVD & Blu-ray Discs
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Streaming services have made physical discs less relevant. With high-speed internet and cloud storage, people prefer digital access to movies and shows. In the next decade, DVDs and Blu-rays could disappear completely.