Classic Features That May Not Survive the Next Design Cycle

Physical Buttons on Devices

Physical buttons have long been a staple on everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances, but their days seem numbered. Research from 2024 shows a 60% increase in manufacturers using touch-sensitive surfaces and haptic feedback instead of traditional mechanical controls.

This shift is driven by the need for sleeker, more water-resistant devices and the popularity of minimalist aesthetics. For example, Apple’s latest iPhones and Samsung’s flagship models have cut down on physical buttons, opting for digital interactions and pressure-sensitive frames.

Many users say touch controls look cleaner, but some miss the tactile feedback of a real button. The move is also influenced by durability—fewer moving parts mean fewer things that can break, according to repair data from iFixit.

In the next design cycle, it’s likely most consumer tech will rely almost entirely on touch or gesture-based controls.

Thick Display Bezels

Thick bezels once framed our screens, but they’re now seen as wasted space in the age of edge-to-edge displays. Display industry reports from Q1 2025 note that over 85% of new laptops, monitors, and TVs feature “ultra-thin” or “bezel-less” designs.

This trend is evident in recent product launches by Dell, LG, and Apple, whose latest devices have bezels as thin as 1mm. Thinner bezels allow for larger screens without increasing device size, which appeals to consumers looking for immersive visuals.

Companies are even hiding webcams and sensors beneath the display itself, as seen in the latest Samsung Galaxy phones, to eliminate the need for notches or cutouts. According to Statista, consumer preference for near-invisible bezels is at an all-time high in 2025.

As a result, thick bezels are being phased out across nearly every product category.

Analog Instrument Clusters in Cars

Classic analog dials in car dashboards are giving way to fully digital displays. Data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers shows that, as of 2024, 73% of new cars globally are equipped with digital instrument clusters.

Automakers like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW now favor customizable screens that can show maps, driving data, and media controls all in one place. These digital dashboards are more flexible, easier to update, and can adapt to different driving modes or user preferences.

Safety experts highlight that digital clusters can also provide real-time alerts and integrate with driver-assistance systems. Car buyers seem to prefer the futuristic look and the ability to personalize their displays.

With rapid innovation in automotive tech, it’s unlikely analog gauges will make a comeback in mainstream models.

Raised Keyboard Keys

Traditional raised keys on computer keyboards are being replaced by flatter, low-profile designs. Keyboard market analysis from 2024 reveals a 49% jump in the adoption of chiclet and butterfly switch keyboards, especially in laptops and tablets.

Big brands like Apple and Microsoft are pushing ultra-thin keyboards, citing portability and aesthetics as major selling points. Users report that these keyboards are quieter and easier to clean, though some typists still prefer the tactile feedback of older models.

The trend is reinforced by the growing popularity of detachable and foldable keyboards for mobile devices. According to a 2025 survey by Consumer Technology Association, over half of new laptop buyers opt for slim-profile keys.

Raised keys are now largely confined to specialized mechanical keyboards for enthusiasts.

Physical SIM Card Slots

Physical SIM cards are on the verge of extinction as eSIM technology becomes the new standard. In 2023, GSMA Intelligence reported that 44% of smartphones sold globally supported eSIM, and this figure jumped to 67% by early 2025.

Major carriers in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia are rolling out eSIM-only plans, making activation and switching much easier for users. Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup dropped the SIM tray entirely in the US, a move other brands like Google and Samsung are expected to follow.

Removing the physical slot saves space for batteries or other components, and improves water resistance. The shift is also driven by the rise of connected wearables and IoT devices that rely on eSIM for flexible, device-independent connectivity.

As a result, designers are phasing out SIM slots in favor of an all-digital approach.

Opaque Appliance Doors

Opaque doors on appliances like ovens and washing machines are being replaced with transparent or smart glass alternatives. Market research from 2024 highlights a 35% increase in the adoption of glass-fronted appliances, particularly in smart home markets.

New models from LG and Samsung allow users to see inside their appliances or even use a built-in camera to check on their food or laundry via a smartphone app. Consumers appreciate the ability to monitor progress without opening the door and losing heat or energy.

Smart glass technology also enables doors to switch from opaque to transparent with a tap, combining privacy with convenience. This trend is reinforced by a growing demand for connected, visually engaging home products.

Opaque doors are quickly becoming a relic of the past in the premium appliance segment.

Fixed Lighting Fixtures

Fixed, non-adjustable lighting is being replaced by flexible, customizable systems in both homes and offices. According to a 2025 report by the Lighting Industry Association, 62% of new construction projects now include adjustable LED fixtures or “smart lighting” systems.

Companies such as Philips Hue and Nanoleaf make modular lights that can be reconfigured and controlled via apps or voice assistants. Consumers are drawn to the ability to change color, brightness, and even the direction of light to suit different moods or activities.

Energy efficiency is another major driver, as smart LEDs can reduce lighting costs by up to 80% compared to old-fashioned bulbs. The move towards flexible lighting is also supported by sustainability initiatives and green building standards.

Fixed fixtures are now mostly reserved for low-cost or temporary installations.

Manual Climate Controls

Manual dials and sliders for HVAC systems are being replaced by smart, automated climate controls. The U.S.

Energy Information Administration notes that as of early 2025, over 57% of new homes in the US feature programmable or smart thermostats. These systems use sensors and machine learning to adjust temperature and airflow automatically, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

Brands like Nest and Ecobee have popularized interfaces that are controlled via smartphones, voice commands, or even geolocation. This shift is partly driven by stricter energy regulations and the desire to reduce utility bills.

Homeowners also report fewer arguments over settings, since smart systems can tailor comfort to each occupant’s preferences. Manual controls are quickly being relegated to budget models or retrofitted older homes.

Standard USB-A Ports

The familiar rectangular USB-A port is rapidly being replaced by the more versatile USB-C standard. Industry data from USB Implementers Forum reveals that in 2024, over 80% of new laptops, tablets, and smartphones shipped with USB-C only.

This change is largely driven by USB-C’s reversible design, higher data transfer speeds, and ability to deliver more power for charging. The European Union’s 2024 mandate for a universal charging port accelerated the shift, especially for mobile devices.

Tech reviewers note that USB-C helps reduce cable clutter and makes it easier for consumers to connect different devices. Manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo are dropping USB-A from new models, focusing on the slimmer, more efficient USB-C.

Standard USB-A ports are quickly disappearing from anything but legacy and budget products.

Standardized Remote Controls

Traditional, button-heavy remote controls are being replaced by smart remotes, apps, and voice assistants. Research from Parks Associates in 2025 shows that 48% of TV users now prefer using smartphone apps or smart speakers to control their viewing experience.

Companies like Roku and Amazon are leading the way with remotes that have only a few essential buttons, relying instead on voice commands or touchpads. The proliferation of connected devices means a single remote can handle everything from lighting to streaming services.

Consumers appreciate the simplicity and integration, especially as homes become smarter and more connected. TV manufacturers are responding by reducing the number of physical buttons and pushing app-based or voice control in their latest models.

The era of the chunky, multi-button remote is fading fast.