CES 2026: ZDNet Highlights Key Trends in Foldables, AI, and TVs at Upcoming Tech Show

CES 2026: Tech Trends To Watch

CES 2026 will focus less on flashy concepts and more on mature products that bring AI and advanced hardware into everyday life. From smartphones to TVs and smart home devices, expect tighter integration between AI, connectivity, and powerful new chips.

• AI will be embedded directly into consumer devices instead of just in cloud services.​

• Foldables, tri‑fold phones, and ultra‑thin designs will push mobile hardware into new form factors.

• TV makers will compete on brightness, color accuracy, and smarter picture processing.

Foldables And Tri‑Fold Phones

Foldable and tri‑fold smartphones are expected to be one of the most visible themes at CES 2026. Brands like Samsung are rumored to spotlight devices such as Galaxy TriFold‑style phones that unfold into tablet‑sized screens while still fitting in a pocket.​

• Ultra‑slim foldables will improve hinges, crease visibility, and durability for mainstream use.​

• Tri‑fold designs with three panels could create notebook‑like experiences for multitasking, gaming, and media.

• Software optimization and on‑device AI will help apps adapt layouts dynamically across different fold states.

AI Everywhere: Devices, Homes, And Wearables

AI will move deeper into hardware, becoming a baseline feature rather than a buzzword. Chipmakers like Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, Arm, and Nvidia are expected to highlight on‑device AI that improves speed, privacy, and energy efficiency.​

• Edge AI will enable phones, wearables, and smart home devices to process data locally with lower latency and better privacy.​

• Smart home robots, appliances, and security systems will use AI for presence sensing, object recognition, and more natural interactions.

• AI wearables such as smart rings, pins, and glasses will act as constant companions, offering health insights and hands‑free assistance.

Next‑Gen TVs: Brighter, Bigger, Smarter

TVs will remain a core CES attraction, with 2026 models pushing brightness, color, and AI‑driven processing. New display standards and panel technologies will make high‑end home cinema more realistic and immersive.​

• Dolby Vision 2 and HDR10+ Advanced will enable TVs that are up to twice as bright as many current sets.

• LG’s multi‑stack OLED and new backlight systems will drive better brightness and fuller BT.2020 color coverage.​

• Built‑in AI will auto‑calibrate picture and sound based on content type and room conditions.