Global Tech Trends to Watch in 2026
In 2026, datacenters are expected to proliferate globally as AI infrastructure expands beyond the US and China. Major investments are being made in India, with Microsoft committing $17.5 billion, Amazon $35 billion, and Google $15 billion, while Meta is planning a site nearby. Southeast Asia is projected to experience double-digit growth in datacenter capacity, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, with Singapore and Australia also playing significant roles. Brazil aims to establish itself as Latin America’s datacenter hub despite challenges related to a lagging power grid and environmental resistance. In contrast, China faces saturation risks with many datacenters, as up to about 80% of new capacity reportedly remains unsold. The European datacenter market continues to grow but at a slower pace than the US and China, with capacity expansion expected but less rapidly.
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have struck approximately $600 billion in AI-related deals with the US following Donald Trump's May tour, signaling a strong regional push for AI infrastructure.
The global rollout of self-driving cars is set for 2026. Waymo plans to expand its services to Washington DC, New York City, and London. Baidu Apollo Go will launch in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. WeRide will operate in the UAE and Singapore, and companies like Momenta and Uber are scheduled to begin self-driving car services in Germany, with broader plans for Europe.
Billionaires’ fortunes are anticipated to rise significantly, with ten executives adding about $550 billion in 2025. The IPOs of OpenAI and SpaceX are valued around $830 billion and $800 billion respectively, potentially reaching $1 trillion. Elon Musk's wealth is boosted by Tesla pay packages, although Larry Ellison of Oracle faces pressure amid AI-bubble concerns.
Regarding AI's impact on work, there are noted productivity gains in coding and customer service, but a MIT study has found that 95% of AI pilot programs have failed to deliver a return on investment. AI has not broadly replaced jobs yet. The entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, is using AI to reduce production costs, while journalism remains cautious of AI-generated content. The legal field continues to adapt to AI's implications.
Consumer hardware trends indicate new smartphone form factors, including folding phones. Apple is rumored to release a folding phone in 2026 alongside existing Android folding models. The first product from Jony Ive’s OpenAI-backed startup may appear this year. Meanwhile, Humane’s AI devices, such as the Humane pin and Friend necklace, have gained buzz but details remain limited.
