Dying Tech Trends in 2026

As technology races forward, some once-revolutionary innovations are being left behind. Here's a look at the technologies, practices, and trends that are fading into obsolescence as we move through 2026.

1. Traditional Passwords

After decades of dominance, the humble password is finally on its way out. With the widespread adoption of passkeys, biometric authentication, and hardware security keys, typing in passwords is becoming a relic of the past. Major platforms have already made passwordless authentication the default, and by the end of 2026, traditional passwords will be seen as a security liability rather than a standard practice.

2. Third-Party Cookies

The death of third-party cookies has been a long time coming, and 2026 marks the final nail in the coffin. With major browsers completing their phase-out and privacy regulations tightening globally, advertisers and marketers are pivoting to first-party data strategies and privacy-preserving alternatives. The era of being tracked across the web by invisible cookies is finally ending.

3. Standalone GPS Devices

Remember when dedicated GPS units were essential for navigation? Those days are long gone. With smartphones offering superior navigation, real-time traffic updates, and integration with the entire digital ecosystem, standalone GPS devices have become obsolete. Even in vehicles, built-in systems are being replaced by smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

4. Physical SIM Cards

The tiny physical SIM card is being phased out in favor of eSIM technology. Major smartphone manufacturers have already eliminated the SIM card tray from their flagship devices, and carriers worldwide are embracing the convenience and flexibility of embedded SIMs. By 2026, physical SIM cards will be as rare as floppy disks.

5. Monolithic Applications

In the software development world, monolithic architectures are rapidly being replaced by microservices and serverless computing. The flexibility, scalability, and resilience offered by distributed systems have made the old monolithic approach increasingly untenable for modern applications. Companies still running monolithic systems are finding themselves at a significant competitive disadvantage.

6. Manual Software Testing

While manual testing will never completely disappear, the role of manual QA testers is shrinking dramatically. AI-powered testing tools can now generate test cases, execute them, and even fix bugs autonomously. The focus is shifting from manual test execution to test strategy and automation engineering.

7. Single-Use Plastic Tech Accessories

The tech industry is finally addressing its plastic problem. Single-use plastic packaging, non-recyclable accessories, and disposable tech products are being phased out in favor of sustainable alternatives. Consumers are demanding eco-friendly options, and manufacturers are responding with biodegradable materials and circular economy models.

Change is the only constant in technology. While it's sometimes bittersweet to say goodbye to familiar tools and practices, each ending makes way for something better. What dying tech trend are you most ready to leave behind?