What real-world problems could quantum computers solve first?

Quantum computers will not replace classical computers for tasks like email, streaming, or word processing. Instead, they will excel at solving very specific, highly complex problems, primarily in the area of simulation and optimization.

The most likely "first-to-be-solved" problems are:

Drug and Materials Discovery: 

This is the most anticipated application. Molecules, like a new drug or protein, are quantum systems. Classical computers are terrible at accurately simulating them. A quantum computer, however, is perfectly suited to model other quantum systems. This will allow scientists to design new, highly effective drugs, personalized medicines, and discover new materials with specific properties (e.g., a catalyst for a better car battery or a more efficient way to create fertilizer).

Complex Financial Modeling: 

Simulating the behavior of financial markets, pricing complex assets, and performing risk analysis involves a massive number of variables. Quantum algorithms could perform these "Monte Carlo" simulations much more efficiently, allowing for better investment strategies.

Large-Scale Optimization: Finding the "best" solution from a vast set of possibilities. This includes problems like optimizing shipping and logistics routes for a company like Amazon, designing more efficient supply chains, or optimizing the layout of microchips.

These fields will be impacted first because they involve simulating the complex, quantum-like interactions that quantum computers are natively built to handle.