My ten technology forecasts for 2026.

      The year 2025 was noteworthy in many respects, but it wasn't entirely a smooth journey for the average tech enthusiast. Apple returned to its engineering labs, offering glimpses of its innovative flair, while its sluggishness in the AI competition became even clearer when compared to Google.

      Electric vehicles continued to improve, particularly in China, unlike in the West where demand is cooling. Meta introduced a new type of smart glasses featuring a display in front of the user's eye, maintaining the classic Ray-Ban style. Smaller brands such as TCL's RayNeo also made impressive strides.

      Google regained its footing with AI models and product integrations that significantly dampened the ChatGPT hype. Additionally, the detrimental effects of AI chatbots were brought to light in alarming ways. If these trends are anything to go by, 2026 promises to be turbulent. I had an up-close view of these advancements, and here are my expectations for what lies ahead.

      We're in for a challenging financial period.

      Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends

      The creative community, among others, is not entirely embracing AI. The typical PC and mobile user is weary of the constant integration of AI into core software experiences, especially as AI tools have become a subscription headache.

      However, the momentum will not cease. The ramifications are proving costly. With the rapid expansion of AI data centers, the demand for memory chips has skyrocketed. AI companies are claiming all available supply, leading to a significant shortage and rising prices of RAM modules.

      The price surge in the PC industry has reached such heights that one could purchase a laptop for the cost of two RAM sticks. Furthermore, supply chain analysts have already indicated that a similar price increase is looming for the smartphone industry this year. So, keep your tech upgrade plans for 2026 on hold.

      Apple enters the foldable era.

      Nadem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      Samsung has introduced seven generations of hybrid phones that unfold into tablets, and nearly every major brand has explored the foldable phone market. In contrast, Apple has notably missed this opportunity, while competitors like Samsung and Huawei have released folding devices in various styles.

      Experts and supply chain analysts are optimistic that this drought will finally conclude in 2026. Leaks hint that Apple’s first foldable iPhone could be among the thinnest available, though it may come with a hefty price tag of nearly two thousand dollars.

      More importantly, it may address a significant issue with foldable phones—the crease in the center of the inner flexible panel. Let’s hope Apple delivers a software experience that goes beyond just an extended iOS display on a larger screen. Perhaps a hidden desktop mode, similar to Samsung's Dex?

      AI faces scrutiny.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      AI chatbots have been known to provide incorrect information, misinterpret data, or engage in overly casual conversations. However, there's a darker aspect to them. When incorporated into children's toys, their interactions were so disturbing that some products had to be removed from store shelves. On more widely used devices, like smartphones, their performance has been far worse.

      So far, numerous lawsuits have been filed by distraught families claiming that their loved ones experienced significant psychological decline after interacting with AI tools like ChatGPT. These engagements have reportedly led to tragic outcomes, including death, self-harm, or hospitalization.

      Consequently, lawmakers are stepping forward to advocate for regulations that would compel companies to disclose more about their AI models and establish safety measures. Additionally, the legal battle over the unauthorized use of books and other content for AI training is gaining traction once more.

      A revival for Siri.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      One of the major criticisms levied against Apple in recent years has been its handling of Siri. While Google Assistant has evolved into Gemini and Samsung is advancing Bixby, alongside Microsoft's widespread deployment of Copilot, Siri has lagged significantly in the generative AI space, relying on ChatGPT within Apple Intelligence.

      This year, Apple may finally complete the "AI brain transplant" for Siri. Initially rumored to be developing its own AI model, progress was reportedly hindered by talent departures. Instead, Apple is said to be utilizing the Gemini framework from Google to enhance Siri’s capabilities.

      Apple possesses a robust software foundation that can support AI models, particularly on-device. Any Mac or iPad equipped with M1 silicon, as well as mobile devices featuring A-series processors and 8GB of RAM, have been prepared for this expansion for some time. Evidence from the “Model Use” framework in the Shortcuts app suggests Apple has exciting plans to astonish users.

      Robots make their way into homes.

      Caltech

      Elon Musk’s Optimus continues to generate buzz in the media, backed by bold claims of its economic potential and utility in households. However, thus far, its meaningful deployment has been limited to serving popcorn at Tesla Diners. Meanwhile, other emerging companies are making significant strides.

      Chinese firms like Unitree and Xpeng are showcasing robots