What everyday technology do you think will disappear completely within the next 20 years?

Technological evolution often moves at a pace that feels gradual until it reaches a tipping point. Suddenly, what was once commonplace becomes obsolete, relegated to the realm of nostalgia. Fax machines, landlines, and VHS tapes all followed this trajectory—ubiquitous in their time, now largely artifacts of a bygone era. As we look ahead to the next two decades, it’s worth considering which of today’s everyday technologies might follow a similar path to obsolescence.

The Accelerating Pace of Technological Change

The rate at which technology advances has been steadily increasing. What once took generations to evolve now happens in years or even months. This acceleration is driven by several factors, including digitalization, connectivity, and the exponential growth in computing power. As artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other emerging technologies mature, they’re poised to transform or replace many of the tools and systems we currently take for granted.

The disappearance of technologies isn’t just about innovation—it’s also about changing social norms, economic factors, and environmental considerations. As society becomes more conscious of sustainability, efficiency, and convenience, technologies that don’t align with these values are likely to fade away, regardless of how entrenched they may seem today.

Cars as We Know Them

The automobile has been a cornerstone of modern life for over a century, but the next 20 years could see its transformation beyond recognition. Several converging technologies and trends suggest that the traditional car—privately owned, human-driven, and powered by internal combustion—may become a rarity.

The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving technology continues to advance, with numerous companies testing autonomous vehicles on public roads. As this technology matures and regulatory frameworks adapt, human drivers may become optional, then unnecessary, for most transportation needs. The safety benefits alone could drive this transition—human error is a factor in over 90% of traffic accidents.

Changes in Ownership Models

The concept of car ownership is already shifting, especially among younger generations. Ride-sharing services, subscription models, and the potential for autonomous taxi fleets make the case for personal vehicle ownership less compelling. Why pay for a car that sits idle 95% of the time when on-demand transportation could be more economical and convenient?

Environmental Pressures

Climate change concerns and emissions regulations are accelerating the transition away from internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles are becoming more viable, but even they may be temporary solutions in a world increasingly focused on reducing the number of vehicles on roads through improved public transit and urban planning.

The Decline of Physical Cash

Cash has been the foundation of commerce for millennia, but its dominance is already waning. The next two decades could see it become largely obsolete, replaced by digital payment methods that offer greater convenience, security, and functionality.

Digital Payment Ecosystems

Mobile payment platforms, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies are creating a financial landscape where physical money is unnecessary. These systems offer advantages that cash cannot match, including the ability to track spending, automate financial management, and conduct transactions across borders with minimal friction.

The Push for a Cashless Society

Governments and financial institutions have incentives to reduce cash usage. Digital transactions are easier to tax, harder to use for illicit activities, and less costly to manage than physical currency. Some countries have already set ambitious targets for becoming cashless, and these efforts are likely to accelerate in the coming years.

Financial Inclusion Concerns

However, the disappearance of cash raises important questions about financial inclusion. Not everyone has access to digital banking services, and marginalized populations could be left behind in a cashless society. Any transition away from physical money will need to address these equity concerns to be truly successful.

Plastic Credit Cards

Like cash, physical credit and debit cards are likely to be replaced by more advanced payment technologies. The plastic cards that have been staples of wallets for decades may soon seem as outdated as paper checks.

Biometric and Mobile Payments

Smartphones and wearable devices are increasingly capable of handling secure payments without the need for a physical card. Biometric authentication—using fingerprints, facial recognition, or other unique biological markers—offers security that surpasses that of cards with PINs or signatures.

Embedded Payment Technologies

Payment functionality is being embedded directly into devices and even into the human body. From smart rings to implantable chips, these technologies eliminate the need to carry any payment device at all. While still niche, these options could become mainstream as security concerns are addressed and social acceptance grows.

The Transformation of Traditional Universities

Higher education has remained remarkably consistent in structure for centuries, but this model is facing unprecedented challenges. The traditional university—with its physical campus, four-year programs, and lecture-based instruction—may be largely replaced by more flexible, accessible, and affordable alternatives.

The Digital Learning Revolution

Online education platforms have already demonstrated that high-quality learning can occur outside traditional classrooms. As virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other technologies enhance remote learning experiences, the necessity of physical campuses diminishes. These digital alternatives offer advantages in cost, accessibility, and personalization that traditional institutions struggle to match.

Changing Economic Realities

The rising cost of higher education and the burden of student debt are prompting many to question the value proposition of traditional degrees. Alternative credentialing systems, micro-degrees, and competency-based education models are emerging that focus on skills rather than time spent in a classroom. These approaches are more aligned with the needs of both students and employers in a rapidly changing job market.

Lifelong Learning Over Fixed Education

The concept of education as a one-time investment early in life is becoming obsolete. In a world of rapid technological change, continuous learning throughout one’s career is essential. Educational systems that support this model—offering modular, updatable learning experiences—are likely to replace the traditional four-year degree as the primary form of higher education.

Conclusion: Embracing Technological Evolution

The disappearance of familiar technologies can be unsettling, but it’s also a sign of progress. Each innovation that replaces an older technology typically offers improvements in efficiency, accessibility, or capability. While we may feel nostalgic for the technologies of our past, the future holds the promise of solutions to many of today’s limitations.

As we look ahead to the next 20 years, it’s clear that the technological landscape will be dramatically different from what we know today. Cars that drive themselves, money that exists only in digital form, payments made with a glance or a touch, and education that adapts to individual needs throughout a lifetime—these aren’t science fiction but increasingly likely realities.

The challenge for society will be to manage these transitions thoughtfully, ensuring that the benefits of new technologies are widely shared and that no one is left behind in the rush toward the future. If we can navigate these changes wisely, the next two decades could bring about improvements in quality of life that rival those of any previous period in human history.