As technology advances, certain everyday objects that were once staples of our lives are slowly being phased out. CDs, DVDs, physical alarm clocks, analog TV sets, newspapers and magazines, desktop computers—these are all examples of items that have already started to decline in use.
However, beyond these, there are a few key products that we believe are on the verge of becoming outdated due to technological advancements.
1. Landline Telephones
Landlines were once the heart of home communication, their familiar ringing echoing through every household. But today, landline phones are becoming obsolete as mobile phones and internet-based communication take over. The convenience and mobility of smartphones, along with apps like WhatsApp, make it hard to justify the need for a fixed-line phone.
For Pakistan, this shift is quite evident. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Pakistan currently has a mobile teledensity of 79.41%, with 193 million cellular subscribers. In contrast, the fixed-line teledensity stands at just 1.06%, with only 3 million subscribers.
2. Checkbooks
Once essential for financial transactions, checkbooks are quickly losing relevance in a world dominated by digital banking and online transfers. Traditional banking has adapted, with electronic checks and direct deposits rendering the physical act of writing checks almost unnecessary. In Pakistan, banks are increasingly enhancing their mobile apps to provide a wide range of services, making these a one-stop solution for all banking needs.
While checkbooks might still have their place in formal transactions, their everyday use is dwindling.
3. Cigarettes
Recently, a statement surfaced that cigarettes may soon find themselves in museums—a prediction that doesn’t seem far-fetched.
The world is shifting toward better alternatives like nicotine pouches, which provide the nicotine fix without harmful smoke or the lingering odor. Compared to cigarettes, these modern alternatives align with a growing preference for better lifestyle choices.
As global awareness of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) spreads, traditional cigarettes could soon become relics of a bygone era. Organizations worldwide are promoting THR, proposing safer alternatives for nicotine intake. For example, countries like New Zealand and Sweden have significantly reduced smoking rates through THR, with nicotine pouches like Zyn and Velo gaining popularity among consumers.
4. Wired Earphones
Wired earphones, once the go-to accessory for music lovers, are rapidly being replaced by wireless counterparts. Bluetooth earphones, such as Apple’s AirPods, offer a seamless, tangle-free experience. With continuous improvements in sound quality and battery life, they have become the preferred choice for most consumers.
Smartphone manufacturers have started phasing out headphone jacks, signaling that wired earphones may soon become a thing of the past. As we move toward a future dominated by wireless technologies, the days of tangled cords are numbered, and wired earphones will soon join the ranks of outdated gadgets.
5. Cash
While the claim may seem premature for Pakistan, where cash still plays a significant role, the world is rapidly shifting toward digital transactions. Mobile payments, contactless cards, and cryptocurrencies are steadily becoming the preferred methods of payment. According to Statista, the global digital payments market is projected to reach a transaction value of $11.53 trillion in 2024.
Locally, digital payment wallets are gaining significant market share, driving Pakistan closer to a cashless future. The State Bank of Pakistan recently reported a surge in digital retail payments, with the volume of transactions growing from 4.7 billion to 6.4 billion in FY24, and the value increasing from Rs403 trillion to Rs547 trillion—a 35% growth in both volume and value.
Many countries around the world are already moving toward a cashless society. Cash, once the cornerstone of commerce, could soon be stored alongside ancient coins and bills.
