The direction of technology is going to change rapidly in 2026. AI-generated videos will blur the lines of reality and illusion on social media, while chip shortages will make smartphones and laptops more expensive. Smart glasses, home robots and foldable phones could drive both new habits and spending.
Tech Trends 2026: Emerging tech trends in the year 2026 are going to have a direct impact on the pockets and thinking of common users. The flood of AI videos on social media, rising prices of smartphones and laptops, the expansion of smart glasses and home robots, and the potential comeback of foldable phones paint a picture of this change. These changes will be visible across the world, where tech companies will introduce new products and AI systems. The reason is clear—increasing demand for AI and automation, limited resources and changing needs of users.
New era of AI video and social media
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2026 will not be limited to just chatbots or tools. Now social media will be flooded with AI-generated videos. Fake videos will become increasingly viral on Instagram and other platforms, featuring cartoon characters, AI-generated animals and fake scenes. It will be difficult for those watching such videos to identify real and fake, which may raise questions on trust and reality.
AI videos can not only entertain but also impact your decisions and thinking on social media. Experts say that platforms and AI tools are beginning to allow the creation of videos in minutes, thereby blurring the boundaries of reality for the common user.
Shortage of smartphones, laptops and chips
Smartphones and laptops will be expensive in the year 2026. Prices are rising due to shortages of DRAM and other memory chips. Both AI data centers and smartphones need these chips, which has increased the pressure on supply. This will directly impact budget and mid-range smartphones, which will come with less RAM or as expensive options. Prices of memory-heavy devices like gaming laptops are also likely to increase.
According to experts, tech companies are supplying AI and data centers first because there is more investment and profits there. The common user will directly feel its impact in the form of expensive equipment and less features.
Smart Glasses and Home Robots
Smart glasses will be among the major technologies of 2026. Brands like Meta, Ray-Ban and Oakley have already forayed into this space. Glasses with smaller displays, AI features and audio-only designs could become popular as smartphone companions.
Along with this, the technology of domestic robots is also progressing rapidly. AI-powered robots can move around the house and perform small tasks with the help of cameras and vision systems. Big brands can present such home robots in events like CES 2026. Apple is also reportedly working on AI based robotic devices.
foldable phone may get a second chance
Folding phones have not become completely popular yet. The problem is more of software and UI than hardware. Expectations are now tied to Apple, which can bring a foldable iPhone. Better multitasking and desktop-grade apps with iOS and iPadOS features could make foldable phones useful. With this, foldable phones will not remain mere gizmos, but will shape a new category of smartphones.
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