15 Tech Predictions from the Past That Turned Out Completely Wrong
History is filled with bold tech predictions that sounded convincing at the time but were ultimately completely off the mark.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
People love to predict the future, but when it comes to technology, even the smartest minds have gotten it hilariously wrong. From dismissing personal computers to underestimating the power of the internet, many past predictions now seem laughable. Here are 15 of the biggest tech forecasts that didn’t age well.
1. “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” – Ken Olsen, 1977
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The founder of Digital Equipment Corporation doubted the need for personal computers. Fast forward a few decades, and computers are not just in homes—they’re in pockets.
2. “The telephone has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered.” – Western Union, 1876
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Western Union dismissed Alexander Graham Bell’s invention, thinking it had no commercial future. Today, phones are essential to daily life, evolving beyond voice calls.
3. “Television won’t last. People will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box.” – Darryl Zanuck, 1946
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A Hollywood executive underestimated how much people would love the TV. Instead of fading away, the television became a global entertainment powerhouse.
4. “The internet will catastrophically collapse in 1996.” – Robert Metcalfe, 1995
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The inventor of Ethernet predicted that the internet would fail under its own weight. Instead, the internet grew exponentially and became the backbone of modern society.
5. “The horse is here to stay, but the automobile is only a novelty.” – Michigan Savings Bank, 1903
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An advisor gave this bad investment advice to Henry Ford’s lawyer. Cars went on to replace horses almost entirely, revolutionizing transportation.
6. “No one will ever need more than 640KB of memory.” – Bill Gates (allegedly), 1981
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Though Bill Gates denies saying this, the idea that computers wouldn’t need more memory seems ridiculous now. Today’s smartphones have gigabytes of RAM, and data storage is virtually limitless.
7. “Streaming music will never work.” – Record Executives, Early 2000s
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Music industry leaders believed people would always prefer CDs and downloads over streaming. Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms proved them wrong.
8. “E-books will never replace printed books.” – Various Experts, Early 2000s
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While physical books still exist, e-books have transformed how people read. Kindles, tablets, and smartphones have made digital reading more accessible than ever.
9. “Online shopping will never replace physical stores.” – Retailers, 1990s
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Many doubted that people would trust buying products without seeing them first. Today, e-commerce giants like Amazon have transformed the retail landscape.
10. “The iPhone is nothing more than a luxury toy.” – Tech Critics, 2007
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When Apple launched the iPhone, many thought it was an overpriced gimmick. Instead, it redefined mobile technology and led to the smartphone revolution.
11. “Nobody will pay for internet content.” – Media Experts, 1990s
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Early internet pioneers assumed online content would always be free. Subscription services like Netflix, news paywalls, and Patreon have proven otherwise.
12. “Bitcoin is a passing fad.” – Financial Experts, 2010s
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Cryptocurrency was dismissed as a short-lived experiment. While volatile, Bitcoin and blockchain technology have proven to be more than just a trend.
13. “AI will never replace human jobs.” – Workforce Analysts, 2000s
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Automation was once seen as a supplement, not a replacement. Today, AI handles everything from customer service to creative writing.
14. “Social media is just a phase.” – Skeptics, Early 2000s
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Some believed platforms like Facebook and Twitter would fade away quickly. Instead, social media has become deeply ingrained in daily life and business.
15. “Nobody wants to watch videos on the internet.” – Tech Experts, Early 2000s
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YouTube’s early critics doubted anyone would watch online videos. Today, video content dominates the web, with billions of hours streamed daily.