Each year there’s the inevitable questions of whether nor not CES still matters. Honestly? Yes, especially in years like this one.
CES 2026 is shaping up to be less about flashy concepts and more about technology that’s ready for real life. This is where we see which trends are maturing, which brands are thinking long-term, and which launches are built to last beyond the showroom floor.
AI Isn’t the Moment, It’s the Baseline
If there’s one thing that’s clear heading into this CES, it’s this: AI isn’t the shiny new things, it’s expected.
The biggest product debuts center on AI integration, but in a much quieter, more practical way than we’ve seen before. Instead of “Look! It’s AI!” the story is about products that are smarter, faster, and more intuitive without asking users to think about the tech behind it.
From homes and cars to screens and laptops, AI is becoming the foundation of the products versus the selling point. Here’s where it will show up most clearly at CES:
Smart Home & Robots: Less Manual, More Magic
Smart home tech has promised to make life easier for years (Millennials are still waiting on their IRL “Smart House”) and CES 2026 feels like the year it starts delivering.
Samsung is going big with its largest-ever CES showcase, and a lot of the focus is on how AI is improving everyday appliances. The upcoming Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra robot vacuum will be able to recognize objects and liquids (a win for anyone with kids or pets), and an upgraded Bespoke AI Laundry Combo designed to clean clothes faster and more efficiently.
There’s also a lot of excitement around newer players like Robotin debuting the Robotin R2, a modular robot that handles vacuuming and carpet washing, complete with a heated water dock. It’s a great example of how home robotics are moving beyond single-task devices. Meanwhile, Ecovacs and Dreame are expected to unveil new robot mops and vacuums with next-gen AI obstacle avoidance and continuous-mop rollers, meaning newer interruptions and less babysitting.
From a PR lens, this category is all about translating autonomy into everyday benefits: time saved, fewer chores, and products that quiet do their job in the background.
Display Tech & Wearables: Brighter, Smarter, More Useful
This has always been a big moment for screens and 2026 is not different, but the upgrades feel more intentional.
Samsung and LG are expected to roll out new TV lineups with improvements like advanced LCD backlights, Micro RGB tech, and support for HDR10+ Advanced. It’s less about jaw-dropping specs and more about noticeable better viewing, no matter what you’re watching.
Rumor has it that Sony may showcase it’s “True RGB” display tech or debut a new 240Hz PlayStation monitor, keeping the gamers firmly in the conversation.
On the mobile side, all eyes are on the Samsung Galaxy TriFold, a dual-hinged foldable phone expected to make its first North American appearance at CES, along with a potential global availability announcement. Foldables are clearly moving out of “cool concept” territory and into everyday consideration.
One of the more intriguing debuts comes from LLVision, which is introducing the Leion Hey2, an AI-powered AR translation glasses designed for real-time language translation. This is exactly the kind of innovation, futuristic, functional launch that makes people excited to attend this event.
Automotive & Mobility: CES Keeps Getting More Car-Centric
A few years ago, CES automotive buzz was dominated by eye-catching concepts like BMW’s I Vision Dee. It was futuristic, flashy, and design to stop people in their tracks. The spotlight has shifted from spectacle to substance with automakers prioritizing AI-driven systems, safety tech, and production-ready innovations over pure concept design.
Volvo is headlining a keynote, reinforcing CES’s role as a serious platform for connected and AI-driven vehicles. Expect a focus on safety, software, and smart transportation systems.
Sony Honda Mobility is unveiling the preproduction AFEELA 1 EV, which is slated to hit the market in 2026. It’s a great example of how mobility is becoming as much about software and user experience as it is about the car itself.
On the tech side, Innoviz is debuting its InnovizThree LiDAR sensor, designed to sit behind the windshield and improve autonomous driving capabilities. It’s not flashy, but it’s exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes innovation that moves the category forward. Now we just need the tech to perfectly automate windshield wipers based on the intensity of rain and we’d be set for life.
AI PCs & Processors: The Quiet Power Shift
One of the most important (and easiest to overlook) stories at CES 2026 is happening at the chip level thanks to some of the biggest names in the game.
Intel is officially launching its Panther Lake (Core Ultra Series 3) chips for premium laptops, while AMD is expected to introduce new APUs and gaming processors build on advanced 3D V-Cache technology.
Qualcomm is also rumored to discuss a little around the new Snapdragon X2 Elite chips for laptops, continuing the push toward faster, more efficient, AI-ready devices.
If processors don’t usually get you excited, you’re no alone, but this shift actually matters more than people realize. For everyday users, these new AI-first chips mean faster performance without your laptop sounding like it’s about to take off, better battery life, and smarter features that don’t require a constant cloud connection.
And speaking as someone who build her own PC earlier this year, this generation of processors feels like a turning point. Tasks that strain a system (multitasking across creative tools, gaming, video calls, and AI-powered apps all at once) are becoming noticeable smoother. The hardware is finally catching up to how we actually use our devices.
The takeaway? AI PCs aren’t reserved for power users or developers. They’re about making every day tech feel more responsive, more efficient, and frankly, less frustrating.
High Hopes for CES 2026
January’s event signals that AI is officially embedded across categories. Homes are getting more autonomous, vehicles are becoming software driven, wearables are solving real problems, and PCs are being rebuild for an AI-first world.
The brands that stand out aren’t the loudest. They’re the ones that know exactly why their product exists and can explain it clearly, event in a sea on announcements.
CES can be overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity if you know how to navigate it. TEAM LEWIS will be on the ground connecting with clients, partners and industry leaders driving innovation across tech. We’d also love to connect with you! Send us a message on LinkedIn and we’ll get something on the books.
