I’ve tested this year’s best tech – here’s what you should expect in 2026
What a year for gadgets and gear. OLED TVs got brighter without turning your lounge into a sauna, AI seeped into everything from photo apps to fridges, phones went on a diet, and Apple continued to project quiet confidence about its AI roadmap. I’ve spent the year testing standouts like the Tesla Model Y, iPhone 17, Whoop MG, and LG G5 OLED—and now I’m turning those hands-on impressions into 11 predictions for what we’ll all be talking about in 2026. Bookmark this and come back next year to applaud or roast me.
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1. Silicon‑carbon batteries go mainstream
Silicon‑rich anodes promise more energy in the same space and faster charging without thermal drama. We’ve seen early deployments in niche devices, plus trailblazing flagships like the OnePlus 15. In 2026, expect the big three on Android—Samsung and Google especially—to make battery life a headline again. And yes, even Apple could quietly adopt it if the reliability data checks out.
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2. Fewer gimmicks, better AI hardware
The era of “AI for AI’s sake” gadgets fizzles. Devices that require a TED Talk to explain won’t survive. Instead, expect compact, focused hardware that solves a daily pain point—think wearable form factors like smart rings that combine discreet design with genuinely useful features and no fluff. The bar shifts from novelty to necessity.
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3. Robotaxis move from novelty to normal
Autonomous ride‑hailing scales beyond a few test cities. Waymo is prepping broader rollouts (including a serious push to crack London), while Tesla continues to signal ambitions to reduce human oversight in pilot fleets. The value prop is simple: no breaks, consistent attention, lower operating cost. Expect your first silent ride to feel strange—and then immediately ordinary.
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4. Apple and OpenAI get closer
Apple’s AI story strengthens through deeper, behind‑the‑scenes collaboration. Think optional system‑level hooks to models like ChatGPT, wrapped in Apple’s privacy posture and UI polish, plus tighter integrations across native apps. It won’t look like a mere licensing badge; it’ll feel like iOS learned a new language overnight.
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5. The iPhone Fold underwhelms
When Apple finally unveils a foldable, it’ll arrive with fanfare—and a price tag that makes your eyebrows levitate. But 2026 consumers are past the honeymoon phase with foldables: they’re bulky, pricey, and many apps still misbehave on tall, bendy screens. Expect a blockbuster launch followed by a niche audience.
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6. Blue ticks regain meaning
Platforms won’t stem the tide of AI‑generated “slop,” but they will try to spotlight human‑made, high‑quality posts. Look for new verification tiers or badges that emphasize provenance and editorial standards. The goal shifts from labeling the junk to elevating the good—because credibility converts to time‑on‑site.
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7. Legacy carmakers ease off pure EV
Softened mandates and uneven charging infrastructure temper the all‑electric sprint. Expect more hybrids, staggered EV timelines, and boardroom pragmatism from brands that once promised “all EV by 2030.” The winners balance real‑world charging realities with efficient electrification—without alienating mainstream buyers.
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8. Netflix signs a Spotify‑style creator deal
To stand out—and tamp down churn—Netflix inks a headline‑grabbing exclusive with a top creator or podcaster, with new, platform‑first content baked into the contract. It’s about more than shows and films; it’s about appointment‑viewing personalities who bring their audience with them, discourse and all.
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9. Someone stages a marriage to an AI chatbot
Parasocial bonds with AI are already here. In 2026, expect a high‑profile attempt at a wedding—legal or not—complete with livestreams, merch, and think pieces. It’ll spark messy debates about companionship, consent, and what “relationship” even means in the age of synthetic intimacy.
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10. Humanoid robots make their first headline mistake
General‑purpose bots step out of labs and into workplaces—and the first public mishap follows. Not doomsday, just a clumsy incident with stairs, doors, or a luxury bumper. Like self‑driving cars, the path to utility is paved with real‑world edge cases. Expect viral video, rapid firmware fixes, and sharper safety protocols.
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11. One streaming service shuts down completely
Consolidation is inevitable, but 2026 goes further: at least one mid‑tier streamer closes shop rather than merging. Subscription fatigue, content costs, and average users capping out at three services force a reckoning. If you’ve ever scrolled past an app and thought, “I still pay for that?”—that’s the bullseye.
That’s my scorecard for 2026. If I’m right, our batteries will last longer, our cabs will drive themselves, and our gadgets will finally earn their “AI” labels. If I’m wrong, feel free to @ me—just don’t do it from a robotaxi while your foldable reboots.
