TechRadar's 2026 predictions: AI, phones, TVs and more

Our wish lists, resolutions and tips for the new year in tech
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January 2, 2026
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Welcome to our look ahead to 2026 in tech
 
 
Welcome
Happy New Year, everyone – and welcome to 2026!
 
Okay, so it still looks much like 2025 at this point, but give it time and I guarantee that 2026 will hit us with an onslaught of exciting new hardware and software across everything from phones to TVs to wearables and much more besides.
 
How do I know this? Well, because I’ve asked our experts to write about what 2026 holds in store for each of their areas – and you can see what they predict below. 
 
But there’s more – because we’ve also included several personal new year’s tech resolutions from the team, covering everything from how they intend to slash their streaming bills to how they’ll be using AI.
 
And we don’t have to wait long to see the first new tech of the new year. CES 2026 kicks off in Las Vegas next week, and we'll be there – and our Editor at Large Lance Ulanoff has thoughts on what we can expect to see at the massive expo.
 
Read on and get inspired!
   
Marc McLaren, Global Editor in Chief
 
 
 
 
Trends and resolutions
 
TechRadar
The biggest tech trends to expect in 2026
Lance Ulanoff has been peering into his crystal ball to tell us what we can expect to see in 2026 across tech sectors ranging from AI and robotics to folding phones.
 
Read the full story
 
 
I asked ChatGPT to suggest my New Year's resolutions, and now I feel almost too seen
 
 
I've been a Spotify subscriber for over 10 years, but I'm ditching it for Apple Music in 2026 – here's why
 
 
The 12 most exciting cameras to expect in 2026 — from DJI's first 360 drone to the iPhone 18
 
 
 
 
Artificial intelligence
 
TechRadar
5 predictions for AI in 2026 – what's next for ChatGPT, Gemini, and you
AI is about to become more embedded in daily life than ever, reshaping how we search, create, communicate, and define what's real.
 
Read the full story
 
 
What does 2026 have in store for AI? We asked ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude – here's what they said
 
 
Robots in 2026 – humanoid androids are coming, but the rise of the Terminator this is not
 
 
 
 
Phones
 
TechRadar
Bigger batteries, better AI, and more: here’s what we want to see from smartphones in 2026
The TechRadar team has thoughts on what they'd like to see in this year's new phones, from better battery life to Apple finally getting its AI act together.
 
Read the full story
 
 
Camera Control was a flop – I hope Android phones in 2026 fix Apple's biggest iPhone mistake
 
 
 
 
TVs & audio
 
TechRadar
Brighter OLEDs, better viewing angles and cheaper prices – here's what I want to see from TVs in 2026
All the big TV brands had a great year in 2025, but there's always room for improvement – here's what we want to see from LG, Samsung and co.
 
Read the full story
 
 
This year I'm buying Blu-rays like it's 2016 again – here's why you should too
 
 
What I want to see from hi-fi and headphones in 2026 – plus 2025's winners and losers
 
 
 
 
Computing
 
TechRadar
I'm transforming Windows 11 in 2026 using PowerToys – here's how you can too
If you thought PowerToys was a suite of high-powered tools for serious tinkerers only, think again – anyone can use the Windows utilities to supercharge everyday tasks.
 
Read the full story
 
 
My new year gift to Windows 11 users — these are the 10 keyboard shortcuts I can't live without
 
 
 
 
Wearables
 
TechRadar
3 Garmin watches I want to see in 2026 — and top of the list is a true Forerunner 55 sequel
Garmin's cheapest watch is in dire need of an upgrade, as well as others in the range – here's what the brand needs to deliver this year.
 
Read the full story
 
 
Will Apple get into the smart-ring game in 2026? Here's what the rumors are saying about an Apple Ring
 
 
 
 
Gaming
 
TechRadar
These are our 14 most anticipated games of 2026 – and there's more to look forward to than just GTA 6
These are the games we think you should be keeping an eye out for in 2026, including Forza Horizon 6, Control Resonant – and, yes, the most eagerly anticipated release of the last few years.
 
Read the full story
 
 
Farewell FOMO and finishing a Final Fantasy game: these are the TechRadar Gaming team's resolutions for 2026
 
 
 
 
Streaming
 
TechRadar
I'm slashing my streaming bills by 56% in 2026 – here's my 5-step masterplan
Streaming prices are only going in one direction, but we've got five tips for cutting your bills by selectively subscribing and cutting unnecessary options.
 
Read the full story
 
 
My one tech splurge in 2026 will be signing up for these 3 unsung TV streaming services
 
 
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