CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is the annual proving ground for the world’s tech industry. The 2026 event in Las Vegas will not only showcase the latest gadgets but also set the tone for innovation throughout the year. Major players like Samsung, Lenovo, and Sony Honda Mobility are already gearing up for significant announcements, with over 140,000 attendees expected, 40% of whom will travel from outside the US. This scale underscores the event’s global importance.
Key Trends Shaping CES 2026
Three major themes will dominate this year’s event: artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, and automotive technology. AI is no longer a novelty but a core component of almost every device, and companies will be under pressure to demonstrate real-world applications beyond marketing hype. Digital health will see advancements in wearable tech and personal health services from companies like Withings, Samsung, and Ultrahuman. The automotive sector will feature connected vehicles and transportation solutions, with Volvo holding a keynote and Sony Honda Mobility unveiling the Afeela 1 EV, slated for California sales in 2026.
Expert Predictions: What’s Coming Next
CNET’s team of veteran reporters has compiled several expert predictions.
Television and Audio: Brighter and More Vibrant Displays
Ty Pendlebury expects significant improvements in TV brightness and color accuracy. New standards like Dolby Vision 2 and Samsung’s HDR 10 Plus Advanced will push brightness levels higher, while OLED technology will evolve with stacked panels for even more vivid images. Expect TVs capable of reaching 100% of the BT.2020 color standard. The audio landscape will see innovations from both established brands (Harman, Klipsch) and emerging companies.
Computing: Power Efficiency and Performance
Josh Goldman anticipates a surge in ultraportable and gaming laptops powered by Intel’s Panther Lake chips. These processors promise both increased power efficiency—potentially exceeding 24 hours of battery life—and enhanced graphics performance without the drawbacks of dedicated GPUs. Gaming handhelds are also likely to benefit from this new chip architecture.
Mobile: Thinner, Foldable, and AI-Driven
Abrar Al-Heeti predicts the continuation of trends toward thinner and foldable smartphones. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z TriFold, with three display panels, is one concept that could set a new standard. AI integration in mobile devices will remain a key focus, with companies continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Home Tech: Smarter and More Integrated
David Watsky expects AI to drive advancements in smart home devices. This includes more intelligent appliances, improved home security systems, and conversational voice assistants that streamline home management. Presence sensing technology, using Wi-Fi disturbances to map activity patterns, is also on the horizon.
Future Tech: Smart Glasses and Neural Interfaces
Scott Stein highlights the growing seriousness of smart glasses, with Google and Samsung leading the charge. Expect a wide range of wearable AI accessories, including wristbands, pendants, and camera-equipped devices. Neural tech, particularly EMG-based interfaces like Meta’s neural band, will also draw attention.
Automotive: AI-Powered Driving Experiences
Antuan Goodwin predicts a shift towards AI-driven car technology, with vehicles that predict driver habits, identify maintenance needs, and offer natural language voice assistance. Advancements in driver assistance systems and autonomous driving capabilities will also be major talking points.
CES 2026 will be about more than just new products: it’s a glimpse into the future of technology. The event will showcase the practical applications of AI, the convergence of digital health and personal devices, and the evolution of automotive technology. The show’s impact extends far beyond Las Vegas, setting the agenda for innovation and shaping the consumer tech landscape for the year ahead.
