While Google utilized 2025 to create the groundwork for AI appreciation, in 2026, the company must capitalize on this momentum and finalize the initiative. The upcoming year must be the moment Google instills AI relevance in consumers’ minds during their smartphone purchases.
Although AI isn’t the sole focus, it will be the essential element that Google needs to advance smartphone innovation, which seems to be growing increasingly mundane each year, lacking significant excitement for the majority.
2026: the year AI becomes standard and widely available
I’m stating it now, but Google will struggle if it takes two decades to establish Gemini as a cohesive experience that will drive AI across all platforms as it did with Google Workspace.
While Google Workspace is arguably the most favored and utilized office suite, it literally took the company 20 years to develop something thoroughly refined, integrated, and adept enough to compete with Microsoft Office.
Admittedly, Google was clever to initially introduce Docs, Gmail, and several applications across various platforms, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the company rebranded these tools into G Suite, later changing it to Workspace.
It absolutely cannot afford to take a similar approach with Gemini due to the fierce competition present.
As Brady Snyder from Android Central points out, while ChatGPT boasts superior models, broader use cases, and greater brand recognition, Google’s Gemini has demonstrated strong evidence that the tides are shifting. Gemini stands out as the only chatbot consistently attracting web traffic, and now that Gemini 3 has launched, Google is taking innovative measures to satisfy the substantial demand.
In 2026, Google needs, no, MUST make Gemini widespread and attainable.
As we start to witness a decline in AI breakthroughs as it settles into its niche, 2026 will focus on persuading the public that AI is here to stay and is becoming a regular aspect of life.
A new form factor?
In 2026, I anticipate some advancements in Google’s hardware strategy. The company had limited output in 2025 since the focus was on preparing its hardware for AI achievements. However, it’s now time for transformation. Dare I suggest? We need a Pixel Flip!!!!
While I recognize that companies have launched foldable devices as the ROI is significantly higher for these models than for flips, there’s value in appealing to a broad audience, and a flip phone can achieve that. Flip phones are charming, compact, user-friendly, and practical. There are more scenarios where a consumer might opt for a flip phone over a foldable one.
I also urge Google to broaden its Google Home product lineup. Yes, a new Nest speaker is coming in 2026, and it updated the Nest Thermostat in 2024, but I still believe Google hasn’t yet unified its smart home ecosystem. With a robust Gemini experience in place, there’s no reason Google can’t enhance this aspect.
Strong guardrails must be established
As I encourage Google to promote AI’s accessibility and prevalence, I implore the company to regard the potential societal impacts of AI with utmost seriousness, and I believe it does.
This past year has shown us that companies are investing heavily in the rapid development of AI, but it’s also revealing the associated risks. Earlier this summer, parents took legal action against OpenAI, claiming that ChatGPT contributed to their teenager’s suicide.
Such stories deeply sadden me. While I find AI astonishing, it’s in moments like these that I’m aware companies like Google need to foster human success rather than failure.
I want to witness AI empowering the world, not leading to its detriment. We observed the ascent of social media in 2007 followed by its decline in 2016. I know we will encounter more negative narratives stemming from AI’s shortcomings, but here’s my plea to you, Google: let’s work to uplift humanity instead of undermining it.
