By Poulomi Chatterjee
Consumer technology landscape in 2026 is set to be shaped by artificial intelligence moving from experimentation to everyday utility. Low-cost smartphones, deeper vernacular language support and widespread 5G access are pushing AI into mass-market apps used for shopping, learning, health and entertainment. The shift is less about breakthrough models and more about distribution, bundling and relevance, as platforms race to embed AI in services already used by hundreds of millions of Indians. Fe spoke to experts to find out what consumers can expect in the new year.
Personalised AI companions:
One of the most visible changes will be the rise of AI companions designed for daily use. These tools go beyond productivity, offering conversation, reminders, emotional support and guidance in regional languages. Early consumer startups have found engagement levels closer to social media than utility apps, reflecting unmet needs around loneliness and mental wellness. Bundling by large digital platforms, including telcos, is expected to bring these companions to users at minimal cost, accelerating adoption across age groups.
Hyper-personalised shopping journeys:
E-commerce in 2026 is likely to look less like browsing and more like chatting. Conversational AI is collapsing the traditional funnel by enabling discovery, negotiation and checkout within a single interface. Quick-commerce players are integrating predictive recommendations to lift conversion, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Agentic commerce on platforms like WhatsApp is expected to gain ground, while augmented reality-based try-ons for fashion and home products become standard even on mid-range devices.
AI tutors in every pocket:
Education is emerging as a major consumer AI use case, with personalised tutors delivering exam prep and skills training through text and voice. Despite strong brand awareness, penetration of tools like ChatGPT remains limited, creating room for vertical, language-first edtech platforms to scale. Voice-led interfaces in Hindi, Tamil and other languages are lowering barriers for first-generation learners, supported by government-backed digital education programmes.
Voice-first native language interfaces:
By 2026, voice is expected to be the primary mode of interaction for a large share of new Internet users. Advances in speech recognition are enabling consumers to search, transact and create content in their native languages. Social platforms such as ShareChat are at the centre of this shift, while fintech apps increasingly use voice for payments, alerts and basic financial advice.
Everyday health and wellness optimisation:
AI-driven preventive health tools are gaining traction as wearables and smartphones generate more personal data. Consumers are showing interest in affordable apps that combine diagnostics, nutrition guidance and tele-consultation. Bundled health services offered by large digital ecosystems are likely to push AI-led wellness into the mainstream, particularly among working-age users managing lifestyle-related conditions.
Subscription-led AI ecosystems:
The final trend is the bundling of AI into broader consumer subscriptions. Some platforms are using AI to personalise rewards, content and offers across categories. For consumer brands, these ecosystems promise higher retention and more predictable revenue as Gen Z and Gen Alpha users grow accustomed to AI-curated experiences.
