AI Trends for 2026
In early 2025, I made 4 predictions about how AI would progress over the next 12 months, thus it's time to review my accuracy and make new predictions for '26.
2026 Predictions:
1. Private AI
We're already seeing people's most private chats in court documents and our personal data in these tools is only growing. In 2026, I expect there will be a credible, private alternative to ChatGPT et al, similar to Protonmail's value proposition.
2. AI in Elections
The US midterm elections in late '26 will rely heavily on AI, from targeted ads and polling, to deep fakes and misinformation. The opportunity and risks of AI will also be a large part of the policy discussion.
3. AI Companions
Since Character.AI launched 5 years ago, more and more people are choosing a digital companion over a human. The warnings of the movie "Her" will be realized this year with many using their digital 'friends' each day, at the expense of real relationships.
4. AI Doctors and Lawyers
We're starting to see AI replace humans for some tasks in professional roles like medicine and law, e.g. prescription renewal. I expect that trend will accelerate with millions of people using an AI doctor or Lawyer in 2026.
2025 Review: 50% correct.
CORRECT 1. Agents Everywhere
In 2025 I expect we will see AI “agents” become prevalent in daily life, from customer support, to handling phone calls and even booking travel.
>> AI agents are now prevalent in customer support, very capable with voice and are easily the most common startup idea.
WRONG 2. Personal AI
In 2025 I expect we will see personal AI devices that are dedicated to you as an individual.
>> There were numerous attempts here but nothing went mainstream with the Humane pin failing and Friend.com still searching for scale. Meta's glasses could be the early winner in this market.
WRONG 3. AI Movies
By the end of 2025, there will be premium movies and shows made entirely by AI, with no real actors.
>> Although AI is now a large part of short video clips online, we did not see AAA shows or movies created without real actors. However, it did happen in the music industry.
CORRECT 4. Weapons
I expect we will start to see AI on battlefields in 2025 with a wide variety of results.
>> In Ukraine, new "bumblebee" drones use AI to hit a target without a human operator and can even operate in groups to avoid anti-drone tactics.
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