# Our boldest 2026 tech predictions Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EnyFe2Zbww Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/4EnyFe2Zbww Generated: 2025-12-17T15:39:25.079+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The Verge staff predicts that by 2026, the term "podcast" will sound vintage, with creators referring to their content as "shows" or "digital series," and major platforms like Netflix will aggressively integrate video into their offerings, while generative AI will increase electricity demand leading to political scrutiny over data center power sources, and the EV market will see consolidation with some startups failing or being acquired. **Key Points:** - By 2026, the term "podcast" will sound outdated, replaced by terms like "shows" or "digital series," as seen in media referencing the evolution of audio content (08:10). - Netflix is making a significant investment in video podcasts, developing original content and working with major networks like iHeartMedia and SiriusXM to compete in this evolving media landscape (08:50). - Generative AI is predicted to raise US electricity demand, causing political scrutiny regarding data centers' reliance on fossil fuels, such as gas turbines proposed by Google and Meta (07:01, 07:10). - The EV market will experience consolidation by 2026, with some EV-only companies either being acquired or going out of business due to factors like increased tariffs and high battery costs (01:55, 02:22). - Apple is expected to finally release its foldable iPhone, likely in 2027 after initial rumors suggested 2026, positioned as a luxury item initially (00:37, 00:52). - Laptop chips will become highly competitive by 2026, with Intel announcing the "Panther Lake" chip and AMD potentially challenging with Arm-based chips that could offer better battery life and integrated graphics (04:16, 04:33). - Wearables will continue to integrate advanced AI features, moving beyond basic tracking to offer more personalized, companion-like experiences, potentially even requiring physical skills (03:01, 05:18). ![Screenshot at 00:04: The host begins the segment by referencing past predictions and sets the stage for the 2026 predictions.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/4EnyFe2Zbww/00-00-04.png) **Context:** This video features five reporters from The Verge—Andru Marino, Allison Johnson, Andrew J. Hawkins, Victoria Song, and Justine Calma—each offering their bold predictions for technology and media trends in the year 2026. The predictions span consumer electronics (foldable iPhones, AI hardware), the automotive sector (EV market consolidation), media consumption (the death of the word 'podcast'), and energy consumption driven by AI infrastructure growth. ## Detailed Analysis The Verge staff presented several technology and media predictions for 2026. Allison Johnson predicts the term "podcast" will become obsolete, replaced by "shows" or "digital series," as video integration dominates platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and iHeartMedia (08:10). Andrew J. Hawkins predicts consolidation in the EV sector, expecting some EV-only startups like Rivian or Lucid to face challenges, possibly leading to acquisition or bankruptcy due to factors like high battery costs and unfavorable regulatory environments (01:55, 02:22). He also notes that high-performance laptop chips from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm will be competitive, but power efficiency will be a key differentiator (04:04, 04:27). Victoria Song predicts the rise of AI companions in wearables and potentially even home robots with personality that can perform physical tasks, citing examples like Samsung's Ballie and Amazon's Astro (02:55, 05:24). Justine Calma focuses on energy, predicting that the massive electricity demand from AI data centers will force energy companies to build out more gas-fired infrastructure, drawing political scrutiny and potentially increasing emissions (07:01, 07:20). Finally, the staff predicts Apple will release its long-rumored foldable iPhone, though perhaps later than initially expected (00:37). ### Foldable iPhones & AI Hardware - Allison Johnson predicts Apple's foldable iPhone will launch, likely around 2027, and will initially be a luxury item priced near $2,000 (00:37, 00:52) - Victoria Song predicts significant growth in AI hardware, specifically AI companion wearables and home robots that possess personality and physical skills (02:55, 05:18). ### Automotive & EV Market - Andrew J. Hawkins predicts EV-only companies will face significant pressure, with some being acquired or failing due to high battery costs and trade wars, while chip makers like Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD will compete fiercely on performance and efficiency (01:55, 04:16). ### Media Consumption - Andru Marino predicts the term "podcast" will become passé by 2026, with creators adopting terms like "shows" or "digital series" as video integration becomes standard on platforms like Netflix and YouTube (08:10, 08:48). ### Energy & AI Infrastructure - Justine Calma predicts that the increasing electricity demand from AI data centers will lead to controversy as energy companies propose building more gas-powered infrastructure to meet the load, increasing greenhouse gas emissions (07:01, 07:14). ![Screenshot at 00:08: A split screen showing predictions for 2024 versus 2025, illustrating the rapid change anticipated in technology, such as AI fitness tracking \(00:12\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/4EnyFe2Zbww/00-00-08.png) ![Screenshot at 00:15: An article headline predicting "The great EV pullback has begun," suggesting market headwinds for electric vehicles \(00:15\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/4EnyFe2Zbww/00-00-15.png) ![Screenshot at 00:20: A montage of tech leaders \(Zuckerberg, Bezos, Pichai, Musk\) juxtaposed with images of Tesla vandalism, hinting at broader industry/societal tensions \(00:20\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/4EnyFe2Zbww/00-00-20.png) ![Screenshot at 01:09: A visual display comparing the thinness of a future foldable phone edge against competing devices \(01:09\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/4EnyFe2Zbww/00-01-09.png) ![Screenshot at 05:41: A slide comparing an "Expressive Robot" and a "Functional Robot" performing the same task \(playing music\) to illustrate the difference in perceived personality \(05:41\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/4EnyFe2Zbww/00-05-41.png)