Inside 2026: What tech titans like Apple, Meta and Google are planning next

With the start of 2026, all eyes are on American tech giants Meta and Apple as anticipation builds around their upcoming device launches. As competition intensifies and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to product strategy, both companies are expected to introduce gadgets that could redefine consumer tech in the year ahead.

Industry watchers are closely looking at these developments, expecting high level launches that could redefine smartphones, wearables, artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive technologies. The upcoming launches are expected to play a key role in shaping 2026.

Meta's plan for 2026

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has shifted its company's strategy toward AI as the future plan, following the success of Metaverse initiatives. 

In 2026, the company is gearing up to introduce the 'Meta Superintelligence Lab', along with investing in infrastructure, and next-generation models with plans to launch key AI systems.

"If superintelligence arrives sooner, we will be ideally positioned for a generational paradigm shift in many large opportunities," Zuckerberg said on a conference call in October. "If it takes longer, then we'll use the extra compute to accelerate our core business, which continues to be able to profitably use much more compute than we've been able to throw at it."

Here are some of the upcoming Meta plans in 2026.

1. Meta will launch a new limited-edition wearable device known as 'Malibu 2', expanding its on-body computing and AI-powered accessories.
2. The company has started development on its next-generation Quest headset.
3. A new device code-named “Puffin”, which is an ultra-light headset.
4. Meta is prioritising an ultralight Horizon OS headset with a compute puck, instead of a traditional Quest 4, to ship in 2026

For the unversed, Zuckerberg changed the name of the company from Facebook to Meta in late 2021 to signal his optimism about a tech world powered by virtual and augmented reality. 

Apple's plans for 2026 

Apple has stayed competent brand even with few major changes through 2025, but as 2026 is nearby, Tim Cook plans to bring advancements along with new launches.  

As Apple, like other major companies, has some form of succession plan in place. Cook's exit is already planned for, but the spate of leadership change announcements has increased the rumours surrounding his departure.

While there are rumours that he will be stepping down sometime in 2026; AppleInsider reported that he will be around until at least 2029.

Let's take a look at all the details of the new products expected to be lanched in 2026, though there are some products that don't have a timeline for release in 2026.

1. iPhone 17e
2. AirTag 2 
3. Home hub
4. HomePod mini 2 
5. Apple TV 
6. iPad 12
7. M4 iPad Air 
8. Low-Cost MacBook 
9. M5 MacBook Air 
10. M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro 
11. Foldable iPhone 
12. iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max 
13. iPad mini 8
14. Apple Watch Series 12
    

These devices don't have any release window, but expected to be released in 2026.

1. Apple Studio Display 2
2. M5/M5 Pro Mac mini 
3. M5 Max/Ultra Mac Studio 
4. iMac Pro 
5. M6 MacBook Pro 
6. M6 Pro/Max MacBook Pro 
7. Apple Watch Ultra 4

2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for the company, with expectations centred on new wearables, upgraded VR hardware, and a rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. For now, consumers will have to wait and see whether these developments materialise as official launches or remain rumours circulating online.