AI in 2026: What's Coming Down the Pipeline

Looking ahead to next year, here are four key developments shaping the tech landscape:

First, we're headed for deflation and supply chain pressures—chip shortages will create real bottlenecks rather than a simple market correction. Second, DeFAI is moving from niche to mainstream, becoming the go-to user experience across Web3 applications. Third, ZK privacy tech stops being theoretical and becomes genuinely practical—encryption standards that actually protect users. Finally, humanoid robots transition from labs into household installations.

It's a pretty wild convergence of AI, crypto infrastructure, and hardware innovation. The coming year will set the tone for how these forces reshape digital life.