The smallest a quantum computer can get is determined by the physical requirements for implementing and controlling quantum systems, such as the number of qubits, the level of control and coherence needed, and the necessary cooling and isolation mechanisms. Currently, quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, and they require specialized facilities and infrastructure to maintain the delicate quantum states.
However, the field of quantum computing is progressing rapidly, and researchers are actively working on developing more compact and accessible quantum computing platforms. There are ongoing efforts to improve qubit technology, develop error correction techniques, and explore different physical systems for quantum computation.
While it is difficult to predict the exact timeline, it is plausible that in the future, there could be advancements that lead to smaller and more portable quantum computers. There is a possibility that quantum computers could become more accessible and enter households, similar to how classical computers have evolved from large mainframes to personal computers and now to smaller devices like smartphones.
It's worth noting that even if quantum computers become more compact and widely available, they may still have specific use cases and applications rather than being general-purpose household devices. Quantum computers are expected to excel at solving certain types of problems, such as cryptography, optimization, and simulation of quantum systems, while classical computers would continue to be more efficient for everyday tasks.