The Verge Staff Predicts Tech and Science Trends for 2026

Apple's Foldable Future

• 📱 Apple's first foldable iPhone, potentially named the "iPhone Fold," is predicted to launch in 2026 as a luxury item in the $2,000 price range.
• 💡 The "iPhone Air" is seen as a precursor, similar to Samsung's strategy with its Edge series before the Z Fold.
• 🚀 A more affordable "iFlip" model is anticipated for 2027, making foldables more accessible.

EV Industry Challenges

• 📉 An EV-only company is predicted to be acquired or go out of business in 2026 due to the elimination of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and potential trade war tariffs.
• ⚠️ Companies like Fisker and Canoo have already faced challenges in a favorable environment, and the current hostile regulatory climate exacerbates these issues.
• 🤝 Rivian and Lucid are noted for attaching themselves to better finance partners, while newer companies like Slate and Scout face significant hurdles.

The Rise of AI Wearables

• ⌚ AI hardware, particularly AI wearables, will see significant growth in 2026, with companies pushing the concept of an "AI companion."
• 👓 Meta is expected to continue with its AI glasses, while Google and Fitbit have launched AI coaches.
• 💍 Rumors suggest Apple is working on smart glasses, and new devices like AI-powered smart rings are emerging.

Competitive Laptop Chip Market

• 💻 2026 is poised to be a highly competitive year for laptop chips, with advancements from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm.
• 🚀 Nvidia's potential entry with an ARM-based chip could disrupt the market, offering improved battery life and graphics.
• 🔋 The focus will be on achieving new performance gains while maintaining good battery life and reasonable pricing.

Home Robots and AI Companions

• 🤖 The development of home robots with intelligence and personality is expected to advance, though not reaching full humanoid capabilities yet.
• 🏠 Apple might surprise the market with a counter-top companion device, potentially leveraging its "smarter Siri" technology.
• 💬 These devices are envisioned as charming companions rather than fully functional humanoid robots.

OpenAI's IPO and Profitability

• 📈 OpenAI is expected to IPO in late 2026 or early 2027, facing scrutiny over its path to profitability.
• 💰 With significant infrastructure commitments, OpenAI will need to address how it will generate revenue, possibly through ads, increased subscription costs, or hardware sales.
• 🎯 All eyes will be on OpenAI's financial strategy as it prepares for its public offering.

Generative AI's Environmental Impact

• ⚡ Generative AI is increasing electricity demand, leading utilities to propose building more fossil fuel infrastructure, including gas-fired power plants.
• 🌍 This trend, coupled with the rollback of environmental protections, risks reversing progress made in cleaning up air pollution and addressing climate change.
• ⚠️ The US, as a major greenhouse gas emitter, has a significant global impact, and these environmental concerns have worldwide consequences.

The Evolution of "Podcasts"

• 📺 The term "podcast" may become outdated by 2026, as the lines blur between video shows and traditional audio podcasts.
• 🎬 Experimentation with video content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok is leading to a new definition of what constitutes a "show."
• 📺 Netflix is integrating podcasts into its streaming platform, and talk show-style podcasts are emerging as the next generation of late-night television.