As the global technology sector moves deeper into the second half of the decade, 2026 is shaping up as a year of structural transition. The emphasis is shifting from experimentation to systems that can scale, integrate smoothly and operate reliably in everyday life.
Across major technology foresight reports, the direction of travel is consistent: coordination, efficiency and long-term value. The trends below point to what that looks like in practice, from AI becoming basic infrastructure to connectivity that works beyond the reach of traditional networks.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. AI becomes core business infrastructure
Artificial intelligence is expected to move beyond early adoption and into the centre of business operations in 2026. More organisations are embedding AI into daily workflows to automate routine tasks, lift productivity and redirect people towards higher-value work.
Some companies say the shift is already measurable. Micron Technology has reported that more than 80% of its employees use AI tools, with reported productivity gains including higher software development efficiency and faster diagnosis across manufacturing processes. The broader pattern is clear: AI is becoming less of a “project” and more of a default capability.
Technology analysts also expect the underlying stack to mature. Gartner has highlighted AI supercomputing platforms, multiagent systems and domain-specific language models as important building blocks for future workflows, as well as a shift towards hybrid computing architectures over the next few years.
Multiagent systems reshape workflows and decision-making
One of the biggest operational changes expected in 2026 is the rise of multiagent systems. These are collections of specialised AI agents that coordinate tasks across distributed environments. Instead of a single assistant handling one function, multiagent systems divide work into roles that collaborate towards a shared outcome.
In a supply chain setting, for example, one agent might forecast demand, another could optimise routing, while a third monitors compliance and risk. This can reduce the manual alignment that typically slows cross-functional work. The promise is not just speed, but more consistent decision-making at scale.
This also links to a broader shift in software development. Gartner has projected that organisations will increasingly restructure traditional teams into smaller, AI-assisted units, allowing domain experts to build applications faster, provided governance and oversight are designed in from the start.
AI supercomputing accelerates simulation and discovery
As AI use expands, so does demand for computing. In 2026, more organisations are expected to invest in AI supercomputing platforms. These are hybrid infrastructures that combine CPUs, GPUs, specialised accelerators and emerging designs to handle data-intensive workloads.
These platforms matter because they are not only about training models. They also enable high-value simulation and analytics, from modelling extreme weather for grid resilience to testing complex scenarios in life sciences, energy planning, autonomous systems and financial risk.
The outcome is a shift in how organisations allocate capital. More spending is expected on AI-optimised servers, specialised semiconductors and orchestration software, driven by the need to turn advanced computation into operational advantage.
On-device AI pushes computing into everyday products
In parallel, AI is moving outward into the devices people use every day. Smartphones, PCs, wearables and connected consumer electronics are increasingly expected to rely on on-device processing, reducing latency and limiting reliance on constant cloud connectivity.
That has practical implications. Real-time language translation, contextual personal assistance and smarter camera and sensor features are becoming baseline expectations, rather than premium add-ons. It also supports privacy and resilience, because more tasks can be performed locally when networks are limited or unavailable.
Analysts including Gartner expect global IT spending to continue rising, with growth concentrated in AI infrastructure and AI-capable devices. This signals that the next wave of computing upgrades is likely to be defined by embedded intelligence.
Hybrid networks and satellite services extend connectivity
Connectivity is also evolving in ways that could reshape access and reliability. Deloitte’s 2026 forecasts highlight the faster rollout of low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations and direct-to-device services, which can provide basic connectivity, including text, voice and SOS functions, without relying solely on traditional cell tower infrastructure.
At the same time, hybrid networking architectures are expanding. Combining fibre, 5G, satellite links and edge data pathways can support low-latency, resilient communications for autonomous systems, immersive applications and industrial automation.
For telecoms providers, this shift may also change the business model. Selling peak speeds matters less if value increasingly comes from bundled services, coverage guarantees and experiences that work across environments.
Cybersecurity shifts from reactive defence to pre-emptive protection
As systems become more interconnected, and as AI is used both defensively and offensively, cybersecurity in 2026 is expected to tilt towards pre-emptive protection. Gartner’s strategic trends point to AI security platforms designed to anticipate threats and respond faster, including risks specific to AI systems such as prompt injection or rogue agent behaviour.
Security teams are likely to rely more heavily on automated analytics, continuous monitoring and response frameworks that can act in real time. The goal is to protect trust and continuity, not simply to investigate incidents after damage is done.
Emerging approaches such as micro-attestation, which provides lightweight, continuous proof of system integrity, may also gain ground, particularly for distributed systems where traditional audits are too slow to match the speed of modern threats.
Smart, connected environments blur the physical and digital line
Finally, 2026 is expected to bring more ambient technology. These are systems that fade into the background because they are embedded in places and routines. Intelligent sensors, edge AI, robotics and programmable hardware are making environments more responsive.
Retail is one visible example. Real-time analytics can optimise staffing, predict inventory needs and personalise experiences on the shop floor. In homes and workplaces, assistive systems and robotics are expected to improve as perception and control capabilities become more reliable.
Meanwhile, foldable displays, augmented reality wearables and health-aware devices continue to push intelligence closer to daily life, turning continuous data into practical, real-time insight for users.