Here’s all that we anticipate witnessing in the tech realm.
The consumer electronics sector in 2026 will be influenced by two contrasting dynamics: daring innovation and constrained supply chains. Devices such as foldables, smart glasses, and AI-enhanced wearables are on track to transform our engagement with technology, while memory deficits and declining PC demand will pose considerable hurdles for brands and consumers alike. Here’s what to await—and how to navigate it.
Foldables finally emerge
After years of gradual advancements, foldables are ready for a breakout moment. Apple’s entry into this space will mark a pivotal point, enhancing awareness and boosting premium interest. IDC predicts nearly 30% year-on-year growth for foldables in 2026, with Apple projected to claim about 22% of unit share and more than a third of market value, attributed to a price tag around $2,400. This development will compel Android manufacturers to intensify focus on durability, crease minimization, and software refinement.
Samsung is already leading the charge with its Galaxy Z TriFold, which boasts a 10-inch inner display. The TriFold aims to blur the distinctions between smartphones and tablets, unlocking new potential for multitasking and productivity.
Smart glasses go mainstream
Smart glasses are making the leap from niche to mainstream acceptance. Meta has broadened its Ray-Bans collection to incorporate a display, while Google and Samsung are gearing up to unveil Android XR glasses in collaboration with fashion labels such as Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Two varieties of glasses are anticipated: audio-centric models for ambient AI experiences and display-in-lens formats for more engaging interactions.
Initial demonstrations have shown promise, but both Google and Meta confront critical obstacles: guaranteeing their AI-driven assistance is dependable, swift, and mindful of privacy. Should they overcome these hurdles, smart glasses could emerge as the next significant wearable trend.
Wearables become “helpful, not noisy”
Wearables are transitioning from simple notification centers to vital health companions. Devices devoid of screens, like Oura and Whoop, have garnered consumer interest by emphasizing in-depth biometrics such as sleep, recovery, and readiness levels. Anticipate more rings and bands concentrating on wellness insights over incessant notifications, complemented by medical-adjacent features like ECG and blood pressure tracking. Traditional smartwatches will increasingly emphasize on-device AI and safety features to validate their premium pricing.
PC growth decelerates
After a vigorous refresh cycle in 2025, PC growth is predicted to slow in 2026. DIY builders will encounter a particularly tough year as DRAM shortages inflate component costs. Windows on ARM devices may receive a slight boost as second-generation units become available, potentially leading to further price reductions on prior generations. Additionally, Nvidia is rumored to unveil a chip in late 2026, which should benefit the entire category.
Who emerges victorious in 2026?
Apple is strategically positioned to capture headlines and profitability. Its foldable iPhone will affirm the category’s viability and exert pressure on Android competitors, while its stringent control over hardware and supply chains will enable it to manage DRAM-related disruptions more effectively than most PC manufacturers. An affordably priced Mac is anticipated to debut early in 2026, intensifying competition for Windows PC makers.
Nonetheless, Samsung is not far behind. The Galaxy Z TriFold will strengthen its position in the foldable market, and its smartphone prowess and scalability will persist, allowing the company to gain ground from smaller Android smartphone contenders. The strength in smartphones often translates into wearable success for Samsung, which excels at bundling products, and with the imminent XR glasses, Samsung is set to play a significant role in the smart glasses landscape.
Regarding the chipsets that will support these smartphones, Qualcomm remains a significant yet understated force. Its chips power almost every premium Android flagship and dominate XR technology. The forthcoming Snapdragon X2 Elite will deliver substantial CPU and GPU enhancements for PCs, alongside an 80-TOPS NPU for AI applications. Anticipate slim, sleek designs and possibly even gaming-oriented laptops built around this architecture.
That said, while Android XR appears promising, Google still needs to establish its capability to deliver polished software and seamless Gemini integration at scale. Similarly, speculations about Android PCs continue, but Google’s performance in this arena has been lackluster. Even with Qualcomm’s hardware capabilities, it remains unclear why consumers would opt for Android over Windows or Mac.
Not everyone thrives
Consumers will experience financial strain as prices rise across various categories. Memory shortages will result in fewer upgrades at identical price points, reduced discounts on older models, and aggressive de-specing throughout devices. If you know you’ll need a phone or PC in 2026, purchasing early could offer savings.
Smaller vendors will confront an even tougher reality. In tightly constrained supply cycles, memory suppliers prioritize top-tier brands, leaving lesser and local companies with minimal bargaining power. Some might exit the market entirely as BOM costs render devices unsustainable.
How to maneuver through 2026
If you’re considering a foldable, it might be wise to wait for Apple’s launch later in the year, as pricing and trade-in conditions are likely to evolve. For memory-sensitive devices like smartphones and PCs, early purchasing is advisable to sidestep DR
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