CES 2026 has concluded, and the team is back home, recharging with their AI emotional support pets.
This year's event was a massive showcase, and we've already highlighted the 25 best gadgets from CES. But what about the overarching trends? What technological advancements can we expect in the coming year?
Below, we've summarized the key trends observed at CES. While this list doesn't cover every tech development for 2026, CES has historically been a reliable indicator of the themes that will prevail throughout the year.
If you're looking to escape your struggling New Year's resolutions and catch a glimpse of the near future, here’s what the world’s largest tech show has forecasted...
1. Foldables Will Go Creaseless
Samsung made waves at CES 2026 by unveiling a foldable display that boasts no visible crease. This innovation could redefine foldable technology, which has long sought a smooth, blemish-free screen. While it remains a tech demo, the implications for future devices, including the rumored iPhone Fold, are significant.
Apple might be the first to adopt this new OLED screen, produced by Samsung Display. However, the anticipated high cost could mean that Android foldable enthusiasts may see it debut on the iPhone Fold first, which could be a blessing in disguise.
- Read the full story: Samsung just won CES 2026 with its creaseless folding OLED – but I hope the iPhone Fold gets it first
2. The Year of RGB LED TVs
Last year's CES hinted at the rise of RGB LED backlighting, and this year, we saw actual models poised for market release. Major brands like Samsung and LG refer to this technology as 'Micro RGB', while Hisense and TCL call it RGB MiniLED. The benefits include a broader color range and improved brightness with lower energy consumption.
Our in-depth guide to RGB TVs provides more details, but the highlight at CES 2026 was Samsung's 130-inch Micro RGB TV, described as a beautiful beast. While currently a showpiece, it shares technology with Samsung's upcoming Micro RGB TV lineup, which will range from 55 to 115 inches.
- Read the full story: The best TVs of CES 2026: brighter OLEDs, 130-inch screens, and RGB mini-LED everywhere
3. AI Emotional Support Pets
From SwitchBot's KATA Friends to Ecovacs' LilMilo, AI-powered pets were a major highlight at CES this year. These companions can respond to gestures, follow you with lifelike eyes, recognize your voice, and even gauge your mood.
With AI-driven personalities, these pets can learn and adapt as you interact with them. While they may seem like toys, many brands emphasize their potential as emotional support companions for those unable to have real pets.
We found them surprisingly easy to bond with, and while some evoke memories of Funzo from The Simpsons, many will likely welcome an AI-powered pet into their lives this year.
- Read the full story: Ecovacs' new launch nearly made me cry during my CES booth tour
4. AI Wearables as Your Second Brain
Despite previous setbacks, AI hardware is making a comeback at CES 2026, with a focus on wearables designed to enhance cognitive function. Devices like the Pebble Index O1 smart ring can manage calendars and transcribe notes, while the Switchbot AI Mindclip records and summarizes conversations.
This trend indicates a shift towards AI gadgets that serve as cognitive aids. Other examples include Lenovo's Qira assistant and Anker's Soundcore Work, with rumors of OpenAI's ChatGPT gadget potentially taking the form of an AI-powered pen.
- Read the full story: Forget fitness trackers — external brains are the hot new wearables at CES this year
5. Lawnbots with LiDAR Technology
LiDAR technology is set to revolutionize robot lawn mowers, enhancing their navigation capabilities. By creating 3D maps of spaces, LiDAR allows for precise navigation without relying on satellite signals.
At CES 2026, brands like Segway Navimow and Roborock showcased LiDAR-equipped models, indicating that this technology will soon become standard.
- Read the full story: I just watched Mammotion's new flagship lawnbot scale an astroturf mountain, and it was mesmerizing
6. 'Longevity' as the New Health Buzzword
'Longevity' emerged as a key theme in health tech at CES 2026. The NuraLogix Longevity Mirror can assess various health metrics just by analyzing your face, while the Withings Body Scan 2 smart scale tracks over 60 biomarkers to predict long-term health.
While not everyone may want such detailed health insights, there will be plenty of devices available for those interested in exploring their fitness future.
- Read the full story: The top 5 health gadgets at CES this year, from Garmin nutrition-tracking to that notorious AI smart mirror
7. Smart Glasses Going Mainstream
CES 2026 marked a significant moment for smart glasses, with numerous brands unveiling their latest models. Expect smart glasses to gain traction this year.
Our roundup of the best smart glasses from CES featured highlights like the Asus ROG Xreal R1 AR and RayNeo’s Project eSIM, which promises truly phoneless smart glasses.
Smart glasses were a major trend at the show, with many other models showcased, including an update on Meta's Ray-Ban Display, though not all news was positive.
- Read the full story: The 5 best smart glasses from CES 2026, including the first with HDR10
8. Intel's Comeback
Intel has faced challenges in recent years, but CES 2026 showcased its new Panther Lake mobile processors, also known as the Intel Core Ultra Series 3. These chips promise improved performance and power efficiency, potentially marking a significant comeback for the company.
Major brands like Dell, Asus, Acer, and Lenovo launched laptops powered by these new processors, indicating that 2026 could be Intel's year to reclaim its position.
- Read the full story: The Intel Core Ultra series 3 processors look impressive enough, but the Arc B390 iGPU is the real game-changer here
9. Solid-State Batteries on the Horizon
Expect 'solid-state batteries' to be a buzzword in 2026. Verge Motorcycles announced plans to produce the first all solid-state battery motorcycle, promising impressive range and quick charging times.
While this technology is exciting, it’s essential to remain cautious until we see real-world applications. Additionally, semi-solid state battery packs are emerging for phones, offering improved safety and longevity.
- Read the full story: Verge announces world-first motorcycle with solid-state batteries – and it promises a 370-mile range with 10-minute charge times
10. Retro Tech for Focus
Retro tech made a strong showing at CES 2026, focusing on simplicity and productivity. Devices like the Clicks Communicator aim to help users reclaim their attention from endless scrolling.
The Clicks Communicator emphasizes productivity with its physical keyboard, while the new Pebble Round 2 smartwatch offers a more straightforward experience with a color e-paper display and extended battery life.
Many nostalgic gadgets were present, including mini arcade machines and mini eReaders, which could become a significant trend in 2026.
- Read the full story: Missing your BlackBerry? The Clicks Communicator brings back the physical keyboard – and a 3.5mm headphone jack
11. Humanoid Robots Struggling to Enter Homes
Humanoid robots were a focal point at CES 2026, but many demonstrated that they are still not ready for everyday tasks. For instance, LG's CLOiD robot struggled to perform simple chores.
Despite advancements in robotics, the dream of a fully autonomous robot butler remains distant. For now, practical solutions like robot vacuums with legs are more viable.
