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There are growing reports that television, that early medium, may soon face an unexpected rival: one that could completely reshape the way we watch and interact with content.
The idea that TVs could disappear within a decade is not just speculation. Caspar von Allwörden, a journalist with nearly two decades of experience covering digital innovation for German technology platform t3n – digital pioneers, is among those who argue that TVs are already losing ground. The competition comes in the form of virtual screens – screens that don’t physically exist on a wall or furniture, but are displayed via head-mounted devices.
A prominent example is the Apple Vision Pro, launching in early 2024. These mixed reality headsets project virtual screens directly into the user's field of view, offering a completely different way to consume media. With these devices, users no longer need a fixed physical screen to watch a show or catch up on the news; instead, their viewing experience becomes mobile and adaptable.
Transforming the way we experience media
The mobility of virtual screens marks a major shift from the stationary nature of traditional televisions. Headsets like Apple's allow users to pin a screen to a corner of a room or carry it with them from room to room, making entertainment more flexible than ever before. These devices blend augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), allowing digital content to be seamlessly superimposed on the real world.
This combination creates what von Allwörden describes as an “adaptive experience,” where watching a series or catching up on the news no longer requires sitting on the couch or dedicating a specific viewing space. Instead, the environment itself becomes part of the experience, shaped by the user’s habits and surroundings.
Despite these advances, the path to replacing televisions with virtual screens faces obvious challenges. A major concern is the physical discomfort associated with prolonged use of headphones. Unlike a passive TV viewing session, holding a device like the Apple Vision Pro for hours can lead to headaches and fatigue, presenting a barrier to long viewing sessions.
Another important issue is the social dimension. Traditional televisions naturally encourage group viewing and shared experiences. Virtual screens, in contrast, isolate the user. Watching a movie or sporting event only through headphones creates a solitary experience, one that limits interaction unless everyone involved owns similar technology.
Von Allwörden points out that this tension between innovation and tradition could slow the pace at which virtual screens become mainstream. Whether companies like Apple and Meta can overcome these obstacles will play a crucial role in determining the future of home entertainment.
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