Every January, Las Vegas basically turns into Disneyland for tech nerds. I’m talking about CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), where nearly every company under the sun shows off its shiny new toys. Some of it’s brilliant. Some of it’s ridiculous. And some of it (okay, most of it) looks like it was dreamed up on a napkin at 2 a.m. after karaoke.
But there’s more to CES than just gawking at gadgets on the show floor.
The real story is in the bigger picture, the trends that quietly tell us where the tech world’s actually heading. And CES 2026 looks set to deliver the usual mix: AI that wants to run your life, gaming gear that’ll probably cost as much as rent, electric cars with dashboards bigger than your TV, and yet another attempt to reinvent your living room.
So, if you’re brave enough to tackle those endless show floors (seriously, wear comfy shoes), or if you’d rather sit at home in your pajamas and just read about it, here’s the lowdown on what CES 2026 is shaping up to be.
CES at a Glance: Why It Matters
CES is the convention for tech and electronics. It’s hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), and it’s where the tech industry officially kicks off its year.
For context, CES 2025 drew more than 142,000 attendees, 4,500+ exhibitors, and 1,400 startups. And in January 2026, the circus rolls back into town, bringing with it the usual suspects: foldable screens, self-driving cars, VR headsets, and whatever else companies think will make us go “ooh” for five seconds.
This is the show that gave us our first taste of things like smart speakers and electric cars before they were cool. And that’s kind of the point: CES is less about the shiny thing on display today and more of a glimpse into what could land in your hands in five years.
What to Expect at CES 2026: Key Themes
Every CES has its buzzwords, but some trends stick around long enough to reshape how we live, work, and play. Based on what’s already been teased (and what the industry’s been building toward), here are the key themes you can expect to dominate at CES 2026.
Artificial Intelligence Everywhere
AI is no longer a keynote cliché anymore. It’s baked into almost every product category. Expect AI-powered home devices that learn your habits, wearables that use AI to track health more accurately, and even AI in vehicles for smarter navigation and driver assistance.
The big story this year goes beyond “AI Exists”. Now, it’s about how companies can actually make it useful for our lives.
Digital Health
Health tech has grown into one of CES’s busiest sectors, and in 2026, it’s set to expand again. Think smarter wearables that go beyond step counting, remote monitoring tools for healthcare providers, and even mental health tech aimed at reducing stress and burnout.
After years of promise, CES 2026 could be the year health tech really starts delivering on its mainstream potential.
Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility
If CES once belonged to TVs, it now belongs just as much to cars. Electric vehicles, self-driving concepts, and smart city mobility solutions dominate entire halls of the show. You can expect major announcements from automakers on next-gen EVs, charging tech, and AI-assisted driving systems. CES 2026 could feel more like an auto show than ever before.
Smart Home and Entertainment
This is where gamers should pay attention. CES is the stage for the latest soundbars, TVs, and immersive gaming gear.
You’re likely to find loads of AR and VR headsets, new connected home ecosystems, and televisions pushing even higher brightness, contrast, and refresh rates. The battle for your living room will be on full display.
Sustainability and Energy
Tech has a massive green problem, and CES 2026 won’t let anyone forget it. This year, you’ll see plenty of companies trying to prove they care, with promises of recyclable gadgets, eco-friendly materials, and cleaner energy solutions. Think EV batteries that will actually last more than a few years, home appliances that don’t drain the grid like it’s an Olympic sport, and maybe even some packaging innovations.
Biggest Rumors and Anticipated New Releases
CES 2026 is already buzzing with speculation, and while companies keep their cards close until keynote day, here’s what’s expected to make waves.
Apple (maybe)
Apple doesn’t officially exhibit at CES, but that doesn’t stop the rumors. Whispers suggest Apple could use CES-adjacent buzz to tease updates to Vision Pro 2 or show progress in AI-powered health features tied to future Apple Watches. Even without a booth, Apple still finds a way to shape the conversation.
Samsung and LG
These two always dominate CES with TVs. You can expect even bigger, brighter, more efficient OLEDs and MicroLED panels.
Gaming monitors with absurd refresh rates and ultrawide designs are also likely to appear, appealing directly to PC gamers. Samsung is also tipped to show new AI-powered smart home integrations.
Sony
Sony’s CES presentations often focus on PlayStation, entertainment, and mobility. Rumors point to updates on the PlayStation VR2 ecosystem, possible PlayStation 5 Pro teasers, and new partnerships in automotive tech.
Gaming Hardware
NVIDIA and AMD traditionally use CES to unveil new GPUs. CES 2026 could bring announcements about next-gen cards with better ray tracing and AI upscaling. On the PC side, laptop makers will almost certainly showcase machines packed with these chips.
Automotive Giants
Mercedes, BMW, and Tesla are all rolling into CES 2026 with their latest EV flexes. Expect plenty of talk about next-gen batteries with longer ranges and advancements in self-driving technology.
Smart Home and Audio
Soundbars, smart speakers, and AI-powered assistants are guaranteed highlights. Expect new Dolby Atmos soundbars from brands like Sonos, and potentially new smart assistants leaning into generative AI.
Attending CES? My Advice for Making the Most of It
CES can be total chaos if you don’t go in with a plan. Here’s my advice for making sense of the madness.
- Set Clear Priorities: You cannot (I repeat, cannot) see it all. Don’t even try. Decide if you’re more interested in gaming rigs, futuristic cars, health gadgets, or the latest way to overcomplicate your light switches, and stick to those. Make a shortlist of must-see booths and keynotes before you land in Vegas; otherwise, you’ll waste half your time chasing all the shiny distractions.
- Leverage the App and Online Tools: The official CES app is your best friend. It maps out exhibitors, helps schedule sessions, and even flags networking events. Bookmark your favorites so you’re not stuck flipping through the giant show directory while everyone else is already halfway across the hall.
- Go Early, Stay Late: The first hour of the day is the calmest time to explore big booths before crowds build up. And don’t underestimate the evenings, plenty of companies host off-site demos and private events where you can actually get hands-on time with the tech instead of fighting through queues.
- Talk to the Small Guys: Yes, the Samsungs and Sonys will be impressive, but the gems are often tucked into Eureka Park, where startups showcase wild, unpolished, sometimes genius ideas. Some of the biggest CES stories have started in that section.
- Pace Yourself: CES is a marathon, not a sprint. Wear comfortable shoes, take some snacks, and make sure to get plenty of downtime. Burn out on day one and you’ll miss the real highlights later in the week.
Nail your game plan, and you’ll get more out of CES than aching feet and one too many “smart” fridge demos. You’ll actually come away with the stories, trends, and sneak peeks that make all the chaos worth it.
