Las Vegas, January 6–9, 2026 – The world’s largest and most influential technology event returns to the Nevada desert next month, and the stakes have never been higher. CES 2026 is poised to serve as the definitive launchpad for a new generation of consumer electronics, where artificial intelligence is no longer a feature but the foundational architecture of nearly every product on display.
With more than 4,000 exhibitors, 140,000 expected attendees, and a keynote roster that reads like a Who’s Who of global tech leadership, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has framed this year’s show around one central thesis: AI is now personal, pervasive, and—above all—ready for prime time.
The Keynote Lineup: Vision, Strategy, and Market-Shaping Announcements
The opening keynotes will set the tone for the entire week.
- Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, will deliver the pre-CES keynote on January 5 at Mandalay Bay, focusing on next-generation silicon optimized for on-device AI inference and real-time ray tracing. Industry sources indicate AMD will unveil its Instinct MI350 series accelerators and a refreshed Ryzen AI lineup that promises up to 3× generative performance over current chips.
- Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang takes the Sphere stage on January 6. Following the success of its rollable-display proof-of-concept at MWC 2025, Lenovo is widely expected to introduce production-ready flexible OLED devices and a new family of AI-enhanced AR glasses designed for all-day wear.
- Caterpillar Chief Strategy Officer Joe Creed and Havas Chairman Yannick Bolloré will address enterprise and creative applications of AI, while a live taping of the All-In Podcast featuring David Sacks, Jason Calacanis, and top venture capitalists will dissect funding trends in a post-zero-interest-rate world.
Additional high-profile sessions include Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on the integration of spatial computing into passenger experience and Honda’s showcase of its third-generation Autonomous Work Vehicle platform.
Five Breakthrough Categories to Watch
- Rollable and Multi-Form Displays Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE are all bringing 8–10-inch rollable panels to production maturity. Devices that transition seamlessly from smartphone to tablet to desktop companion are expected to move from prototype to pre-order status during the show.
- Ambient AI and Spatial Computing The battle to own the “always-aware” living space intensifies. New entrants such as Rabbit R2 successors, redesigned Amazon Echo frames with on-device LLMs, and Meta’s Orion AR project successors will compete to become the default interface between humans and the connected home.
- Health and Longevity Tech Wearables are evolving into clinical-grade diagnostic tools. Expect FDA-cleared continuous glucose monitoring rings, non-invasive blood-pressure earbuds, and AI-driven exoskeletons (Hypershell Carbon X Pro, Skiin X) that reduce joint load by up to 40 % during daily activities.
- Next-Generation Mobility Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and the Sony-Honda Afeela joint venture will reveal Level 3+ autonomous systems paired with 800-volt architectures and solid-state battery prototypes promising 350+ mile real-world range and 10-minute charging.
- Sustainable Innovation Pressure from regulators and consumers has forced manufacturers to prioritize circular design. Look for self-healing TPU phone cases, modular laptops with 10-year upgrade paths, and large-screen OLEDs that consume 30 % less power through AI-driven pixel compensation.
The Ethical and Policy Conversations No One Can Ignore
Amid the glamour, CES 2026 will host some of the most pointed debates in the industry’s history. Sessions on algorithmic bias, data sovereignty, and the energy footprint of generative AI training have drawn record pre-registration. The CTA’s 2026 Consumer Sentiment Study, to be released on-site, is expected to show that while 72 % of Americans want more AI in daily life, 61 % are “concerned or very concerned” about loss of personal privacy.
Key panels include:
- “AI Governance in the Age of Ambient Computing” (featuring EU and U.S. policymakers)
- “The Right to Repair vs. the Right to Security” (Apple, Google, and Right to Repair advocates)
- “Green AI: Can We Train Foundation Models Without Cooking the Planet?”
Practical Intelligence for Attendees and Remote Viewers
Registration remains open at CES.tech. Exhibits Plus passes are currently $149 (rising to $350 after December 20), while full conference access starts at $1,399. The official CES app now includes real-time crowd-heat maps and session wait-time predictors—essential tools given last year’s 45-minute lines for popular keynotes.
For those unable to travel, CES 2026 will offer the most robust digital program to date, with 4K livestreams of all major keynotes and select showroom tours available on-demand within hours.
The Bottom Line
CES has always been the crystal ball of consumer technology. In 2026, that crystal ball reveals a future in which artificial intelligence is no longer confined to servers or smartphones—it is embedded in the fabric of daily life. The products unveiled in Las Vegas next January will not merely compete for shelf space; they will redefine how we work, heal, move, and connect.
The question is no longer whether these technologies are coming, but how quickly—and responsibly—they will arrive.