Possible Tech Upgrades We're Looking Forward to in 2026

Every new year promises a ton of new tech upgrades, and 2026 will be no different. With the amount of buzz swirling around these possible new gadgets, it’s clear that the next year is shaping up to be another milestone year in tech.

Of course, we're gearing up for all these innovations at the Next Upgrade Shop, where future‑forward brands, like Apple and Samsung, already have exciting news lined up for 2026.

A Touch of Home: The Rumored HomePod Touch

From 9to5Mac
Disclaimer: Image is unofficial, and not a confirmed design from Apple

Apple rumors always stir the pot, but the whispers about a possible HomePod Touch have caught our attention more than usual. Imagine the current Apple HomePod but with a built‑in screen. Not quite an iPad, not quite a smart display, but a sleek hybrid that leans into Apple’s signature ecosystem magic. 

If the rumors pan out, this could become the ultimate smart home hub for users who want visual controls without sacrificing sound quality. We’ve seen how Apple integrates seamlessly with HomeKit, so a screen‑enabled HomePod could simplify everything from automation to entertainment. It’s still speculation for now, but we can’t help but keep our eyes peeled for this one.

Smarter Than Ever: Samsung’s SmartThings Ambient Sensing

From SmartThings

Samsung has been pushing the boundaries of the smart home for years, and its move toward AI‑powered Ambient Sensing in SmartThings marks a major step forward. Instead of relying on traditional routines, Samsung is turning everyday appliances—from televisions to Music Frame speakers to Family Hub refrigerators—into intelligent motion and sound sensors. The system can detect context-specific activities like cooking, exercising, or sleeping, then automatically adjust the home environment, such as cooling the room during a workout or turning on a reading lamp when someone sits down—all without manual commands. 

From SmartThings

A key part of this upgrade is the enhanced Map View, which uses generative AI to create detailed 3D layouts of your home based on uploaded photos, enabling smarter spatial awareness and more personalized automations accessible across phones, TVs, and computers. It’s the kind of bold, future‑leaning innovation that reminds us just how exciting the next chapter of smart living is about to become.

Steam Powered: Valve’s Newest  Entry into the Console Market

The Steam Machine is official, and we’re ready for it. As long‑time fans of PC gaming innovation, we’ve watched the Steam Deck transform portable gaming, so a full‑blown Steam Machine feels like the natural next progression. With Valve committed to delivering a dedicated living‑room‑friendly gaming device, we’re expecting something that blends console simplicity with PC flexibility. This could easily become 2026’s must‑have hardware for gamers who want the best of both worlds. And you can bet we're excited to see how this device might fit into our future lineup at the Next Upgrade Shop.

Looking Ahead with Next Upgrade Shop

As we gear up for 2026, we’re excited to bring these innovations—and more—to your home and lifestyle. Stay tuned with the Next Upgrade Shop as we continue championing future‑ready tech that keeps you ahead of the curve.