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ZDNET's key takeaways

• CES is almost here with some exciting product innovations.
• Expect to see more AI-enabled wearables from interesting startups. 
• New trifold smartphones, robots, and TVs could be the stars of the show.

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CES is just days away, kicking off on Jan. 4 for the media (when most of the news breaks) and on Jan. 6 for the public. As the world's largest tech conference, the show starts the year with companies showcasing their latest innovations on a global stage. The result: a bevy of announcements for tech enthusiasts and the general public alike. 

Also: Do you ask AI deep questions at night? 37.5 million Copilot conversations show you're not alone

To give you a clear idea of what to expect at CES, I have compiled a few trends based on the hottest trends of the past year and our own predictions of what will be on display this year. 

AI hardware

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CES has typically been a hotspot for wearables of all kinds, with some of our favorites from last year including a sleep wearable that keeps you focused and even an 18-karat gold smart ring. However, as AI has become the hottest technology of the moment, companies are incorporating the tech into wearables to offer more advanced features, such as deeper data analysis with easy-to-use Q&A AI chatbots. 

Additionally, as AI models become more advanced and offer users more everyday assistance, the need to bridge the software realm with the physical world has become increasingly prevalent. Hence, the rise of AI-enabled wearables, such as smart glasses, pins, and wristbands. While we saw an uptick in AI wearables at last year's event, we are likely to see even more this year -- and that trend could be a positive. 

Also: I got an early demo of AI smart glasses with Gemini, and they're almost too ambitious

The CES showfloor offers the opportunity to learn about new products that go beyond leading brands, such as Oura for smart rings or Meta for smart glasses, and to go hands-on with devices from startups that could offer users a good experience, perhaps for a lower premium. I will be scouring the show floor for these types of products and plan to do a similar roundup, updated daily, as last year. 

Phones that go beyond the slab

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET

In 2025, significant advancements have been made in the foldable smartphone market. Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold 7, its thinnest foldable yet, 25% thinner than its predecessor, both when folded and unfolded. Apple released the iPhone Air, its slimmest smartphone yet, and likely a first step in a move toward its own foldable in the future. However, that's not where the progress ended. 

As early as February 2025, before Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate launched globally, making it the first trifold to ship. When opened, the device provided a 10.2 tablet-like screen. This evolution was just the beginning. Earlier this month, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z TriFold, a device with a 10-inch flexible display that is expected to launch in the US in early 2026. 

Also: The 9 tech gadgets I couldn't live without in 2025 (and most are travel-friendly)

You would expect Samsung to reveal the device during a major event, such as MWC, Samsung Unpacked, or CES. Considering the Galaxy Z TriFold has already debuted in other markets, it would make sense for the company to take advantage of a CES launch. Even if Samsung doesn't make this move, since CES is open to exhibitors outside the US, we might see other takes on the trifold device at the conference. 

The ongoing case for helpful robots

Maria Diaz/ZDNET

CES includes a major focus on smart homes. Beyond smart lights, doorbells, security systems, blenders, and toasters, there are also robot vacuums. 

While they may not sound sexy, last year's CES brought us the Roborock, with a claw to grab items, such as socks. This year's event is likely to feature some futuristic-looking add-ons to the classic robot vacuum, as well as new robovacs that, although they may not be as flashy, are more effective at their job. 

Also: The 5 most innovative tech products that surprised us this year (including a first for robot vacs)

Outside the smart home space, you can also expect to see many cool robots. If you have ever walked the expo halls, you'll know that you run into a robot nearly on every aisle. While many of these devices are typically futuristic prototypes without many real-life applications at the moment, who knows? This year may be the year that, with enough AI magic, we see a real, helpful companion come to life. I'll report back on any discoveries. 

AI... the nitty gritty 

Getty Images / Woohae Cho / Stringer

More specifically, on the topic of AI, there will likely be news from the actual chipmakers powering the technology. At CES 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivered a keynote and announced Cosmos, an AI platform designed to transform robotics and autonomous driving, which won one of our Best of CES 2025 awards. While the company has yet to confirm a keynote for this year, it will be in attendance and is likely to share some news following last year's precedent. 

Similarly, AMD will be at CES and has confirmed a keynote for Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. PT. During that time slot, the company is expected to announce its latest innovations, including new 3D V-Cache CPUs, according to some leaks. 

TVs, TVs, and TVs

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Since CES is all about showcasing the flashiest tech, what better way to deliver that approach than with TVs? At CES, you see TVs that spin, stick to walls, and even span a whopping 116 inches, like Hisense's movie theater-sized TV unveiled last year. This year, you can expect the same. We'll likely see a greater screen takeover, with TVs appearing on more devices and surfaces than before. 

Also: LG unveils its first Micro RGB TV ahead of CES 2026, and it's got OLED users feeling envy 

This trend means we'll also see many new TV accessories. Expect new and improved soundbars and projectors with better sound and picture quality.