The world of technology is always changing. Devices that were meant to serve one purpose may be adjusted to fit many down the line. This makes it incredibly difficult to pinpoint exactly what the future may bring, but if we take a moment to look at what tends to be the biggest leaps forward, we can try to predict exactly what we are going to see. So, come take a look at some of the best predictions that I could make when it comes to technology in 2026.
Apple
When it comes to Apple, they have a pretty set release schedule. Recently they announced a new lineup of iPad Pro and MacBook Pro systems with the latest M5 chip in them. This suggests that we could see a full lineup of devices all adapting to the latest hardware. The Mac mini could see an upgrade with the M5 chip, but I think a lot of people (including myself) would love to see what an M5 Max and M5 Ultra could produce. The Apple Studio, which hasn’t seen an upgrade since the M3 Max and M3 Ultra, could see a huge uplift in performance in the future.
Microsoft and Qualcomm
Like the operating systems that came before, it is time to say goodbye to Windows 10. Of course, it’s still usable, but security updates will no longer support the aging OS. This means that a lot of folks will need to upgrade their computers if their current one cannot support Windows 11. For those who need a new system, this is where Qualcomm steps in.
Microsoft released a variety of Copilot+ PCs, which integrate AI into various systems. To achieve the heights and power needed to ensure Copilot+ runs as best as possible, Microsoft enlisted Qualcomm to deliver a series of processors designed for this task. Devices like the latest Surface Pro can be outfitted with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processors, which offer a range of performance upgrades.
The architecture of these ARM processors is different from what we’ve seen in the past. These processors are designed for energy efficiency without compromising performance, and we will continue to see this technology grow. Your smartphone and tablet most likely already use this type of technology, seeing it adapted more into the traditional laptop landscape with greater uplift is certainly a good bet.
NVIDIA
As of right now, NVIDIA is one of the largest tech companies in the world, if not the largest. Their work with the modern growth of AI is nearing an unquantifiable degree. Not only is NVIDIA’s technology becoming more adaptive in server infrastructure, but it is becoming more prevalent for the home consumer.
At CES 2025 we were introduced to the RTX 50-series graphics cards, which leveraged NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture to deliver an amazing gaming and content creation experience. Leveraging various AI enhancements, users were able to experience better gameplay performance with DLSS 4, full ray-tracing capabilities, G-SYNC, and a whole lot more.
I’d wager that we could see an announcement of the next step in RTX hardware at CES 2026 with the potential to see more powerful hardware in the form of NVIDIA’s TI and Super platforms. The power uplift is still undetermined, but it seems promising in what we could receive, especially if you need a new GPU.
AMD
Ryzen is not just here to stay, they are setting up shop for the long haul. AMD has not just been around for a long time, but they continue to develop lots of interesting technologies for causal users, gaming enthusiasts, and even business professionals. Their Zen architecture has been amazing to use, delivering top-notch experiences for everyone.
On the processor side, I don’t know if we will see much of a change with the current run of the AMD Ryzen 9000-series processors aside for one thing: AI integration. Not in the traditional sense though. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO found in laptops like the HP EliteBook 6 G1a could find their way into the desktop world. It has great utility, and it performs quite well in many areas, especially those who use AI to enhance their workflow. But the desktop area is sorely missing this type of technology. Perhaps we can see this come to fruition for desktop systems aimed towards power users who leverage the technology.
For the gaming enthusiasts out there, we have seen a ton of positive press over the RX 9070 XT graphics cards. From first-hand experience, I have found it to be a great platform, especially considering I am running most of my games on 1440p resolution at 120 Hz. Can we possibly see an RX 9080 XT make its way to the market? This has been a long-speculated question and one that is quite difficult to answer for sure.
This is because AMD has been playing their cards close to the chest. They have also been outright denying the fact that an RX 9080 XT or anything like it is in the works. While there is no information to refute any playful deceit, I would not be surprised if one is eventually announced at CES 2026. Plus, I really want one and I think that alone should be a strong consideration on AMD’s part.
Other Technologies
Now that some of the bigger names in technology are out of the way, we can look at some other, more superfluous device families! What can we expect from the tools and technologies you use every day? I think we are about to see a whole lot.
OLED Technology
OLED technology has become more affordable with every passing year and 2026 might be the shining year for this specific technology. It has been proven that OLED offers the best contrast ratio and produces vivid colors like no other panel but burn-in has been on everyone’s minds. That alone keeps many people from investing in a solid OLED monitor.
We are seeing a lot of movement from companies when it comes to OLED displays. MSI recently launched their MAG 271QP display, which sports a 1440p resolution and 280 Hz refresh rate on an OLED panel for a great price! Even ASUS is getting in on the action with their 4K ROG Strix XG32UCDS! Both monitors integrate some element of burn-in prevention, utilizing sensors and detection of static screens to prevent any potential damage. I can easily see this technology becoming more adaptive in the new year across a wide range of products!
Small Form Factor Devices
Small Form Factor, or SFF, is a design concept that takes entire computer units and smushes all the components down into a device that feels compact and lightweight. Computers like the Apple Mac mini are but one example of this design philosophy. Businesses thrive off the smaller designs, especially when applications might be web based. Gaming enthusiasts love systems that provide ample power to run their favorite titles without overheating.
Currently, gaming consoles are the go-to solution for many enthusiasts out there. The problem some folks have is that the software and the hardware are just not robust enough to handle what they want. This is where SFF systems come into play for that demographic. ASUS has released a handful of NUCs in the past for both the business professional and the gaming enthusiast, and that is expanding. While they haven’t been seen as entirely viable, they are beginning to pick up a lot of traction. This is due to the growing popularity of handheld gaming devices like the Valve Steam Deck, MSI Claw 8, or even the gigantic Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2.
The synergy between a powerful, yet small gaming platform and a handheld is unbeatable! I believe that we are going to see a lot of systems become smaller as they are becoming more defined by the industries they are aiming for. Devices like the HP ProDesk 4 delivers great performance while maintaining a smaller footprint. We should see a lot more of these types of devices.
PC Case Elegance
While not necessarily wood, Thermaltake offers a unique style with their CTE E550 TG computer case featuring a Gravel Sand finish. This goes even further as the previously mentioned Microsoft Surface Pro comes in Dune and Sapphire color schemes right next to the traditional Black and Platinum stylings.
Despite seeing a lot of colors and styles today, I fully expect companies to double down on the aesthetics, making personal devices really stand out amongst the sea of dull and drab colors. From desktops to tablets, personality is coming!
Creative Products
Some of my favorite content creation products are now starting to show their age. While strong, reliable, and constantly receiving updates, products like Elgato’s Stream Deck+ could use a bit of an upgrade. Especially since they released a handful of peripherals like the XLR dock and USB dock to expand the utility of the device. With their Neo lineup of devices, it only makes sense for them to introduce some new products that would change the content creation landscape. While devices like the Stream Deck Studio and family of Stream Deck Modules, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see something big coming from them this year.
Wacom is another company that has been incredibly consistent with their product releases. They recently released their MovinkPad Pro 14, which is a powerful, portable drawing tablet with a 14” OLED display. While the device itself is amazing as it stands, perhaps we may see something larger or more technically superior for those looking into the world of animation or hands-on modeling.
Smart glasses are also becoming more popular as time goes on, especially for those in the creative space. Users have been streaming their creative content directly from devices like the Meta Ray-Ban Wayfarer Glasses and it has been a game changer in this aspect. Personally, I have seen users break them out on train rides and even the photographer at my brother’s wedding had a pair. For 2026, I can see these becoming even more popular within the landscape!
With 2026 approaching, these are some of the more reasonable technologies I can see receiving an improvement. CES 2026 is also just around the corner where we are bound to see some incredibly interesting devices and learn more about what that year will bring us. Sure, we will see a lot of consumer electronics like robotic vacuums, smart refrigerators, and a washing machine that shows you the latest football broadcast while you wait for the spin cycle to finish. While that tech is interesting, it isn’t necessarily pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity. I’m looking forward to 2026, and I can’t wait to see what the year brings us! Make sure you stick around for upcoming news!
