How AI and Emerging Technologies Could Shape Daily Life in 2026

Smartphone and laptop prices may remain on an upward trajectory throughout the year. For an average consumer, buying a new smartphone already often means spending an entire month’s salary. As most buyers opt for EMI schemes, everyday expenses are likely to rise further.

Can you predict what the major tech trends of 2026 might be? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is certain to redefine the technology landscape. While some AI trends expected in 2026 may not yet be fully mature, AI will significantly influence the products you buy in the market and the content you consume on social media. AI chatbots may move beyond smartphones and create entirely new categories of products. Here are five such key changes:

AI Videos on Social Media

AI-generated videos have already made their way into social media feeds—most notably humorous clips of cartoon characters dancing to popular film songs. These videos are largely entertaining and harmless to watch. Platforms themselves are now actively promoting AI-generated content. Tools such as OpenAI’s Sora can convert virtually any idea into a video within minutes, provided the right prompt is given.

In India, such videos often do not carry clear labels identifying them as AI-generated. As a result, distinguishing real videos from AI-created ones is becoming increasingly difficult, leading to confusion about what to trust. The larger concern is not merely whether people can identify what is real, but whether AI videos will fundamentally alter human relationships and change how we perceive the world around us.

Rising Cost of Smartphones and Laptops

The second major trend is the rising cost of smartphones and laptops, which may continue throughout the year. As mentioned earlier, many consumers already spend a month’s salary on a new phone, and EMI-based purchases could further increase daily financial pressure.

A global shortage of memory chips is a key factor. Companies are likely to pass on higher memory costs to consumers, pushing up average selling prices of smartphones. Demand for Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), heavily used in AI data centres as well as smartphones, has surged beyond supply. Since major memory chip suppliers are prioritising more profitable AI firms and data centres, this shortage may persist until 2027. Once current inventories are exhausted, prices—especially in the low- to mid-range smartphone segments—are expected to rise. Gaming-focused models that require higher memory capacities are likely to see sharper price increases.

Smart Glasses as Future Consumer Products

In 2026, tech companies may introduce a new generation of smart glasses aimed at everyday users. While mixed reality headsets have not gained widespread popularity and augmented reality glasses are still some distance from mainstream adoption, smart glasses are emerging as a key area of focus.

These devices may feature AI capabilities, built-in cameras, audio-only options, and both wired and wireless designs. Initially, they are likely to be positioned as lifestyle or luxury accessories. Meta has already entered the market with its Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, and other companies are expected to follow soon. Smart glasses are unlikely to replace smartphones in the near term, but they may be bundled with earbuds, smartwatches, or smart rings. At present, smart glasses can be compared to feature phones in their early stage of evolution.

Robots Entering Homes

While not an immediate reality, humanoid robots are increasingly likely to enter households in the future. Companies in Silicon Valley and European startups are seriously exploring large-scale production of humanoid robots. China has identified humanoid robotics as a strategic technology priority and is positioning itself to compete with the United States. Apple, too, is reportedly showing interest in personal robotics.

Foldable Smartphones

Foldable smartphones continue to generate strong interest among consumers. However, high prices remain a major barrier to widespread adoption. Samsung and Motorola are already engaged in intense competition in this segment, while Apple is also reportedly working on a foldable iPhone. Despite the excitement, software-related challenges remain one of the key reasons foldable phones have yet to achieve mass popularity.

Source: indianexpress.com