5 Key Trends from CES 2026  

At CES 2026, the world’s most influential tech event, the Global Innovation Center explored the technologies and consumer behaviors shaping the next era of connected care.  

Through sessions and discussions with attendees and exhibitors, the team surfaced five major trends from the conference. 

1. The Face Computing Era Challenges the Frame 

Insight: The "AI-on-your-face" trend is coming into sharp focus. The market has moved beyond bulky VR headsets to lightweight, stylish frames capable of live translation, industrial tasks, and high-dynamic-range (HDR) visuals. Tech giants are aggressively commoditizing the traditional eyewear form factor, transforming glasses into "face computing" platforms that may require prescription integration.  

Why It Matters: For consumers, this represents a shift in utility. Eyewear is no longer just for vision correction or fashion; it is becoming a productivity tool and a health device. As smart eyewear becomes more ubiquitous, consumers may demand that their prescriptions be seamlessly integrated into complex optical displays. 

 
2. Engineering for Tomorrow: The Longevity Revolution 

Insight: Longevity is no longer just about living longer; it is about engineering tomorrow to ensure functional independence. CES 2026 highlighted the AgeTech Collaborative and innovations like the NuraLogix mirror (which predicts biological age via facial blood flow) and robotics for independent living (ReviMo). The focus is on preventive maintenance to support aging in place.  

Why It Matters: Unlike lifespan extension, "healthspan" emphasizes quality of life. Vision loss is one of the most feared age-related conditions - maintaining visual acuity directly enables the active lifestyle longevity seekers want. This trend continues to elevate vision care from reactive (fixing problems) to proactive (preserving function). 

 
3. Shoppable Content Fuels “Phygital” Sales 

Insight: The Content–to–Commerce revolution is taking shape. Retail is shifting from passive browsing to "shoppable content," where AI agents and influencers curate items in social feeds that can be purchased instantly or tried on virtually, collapsing the marketing funnel into a single continuous experience.  

Why It Matters: The distinction between "scrolling" and "shopping" is evaporating. Consumers expect a "phygital" journey where they can move from an Instagram post to a virtual try-on, and finally to an in-store fitting without friction. 

For more on these trends plus two others from the conference, check out our “5 Key Trends from CES 2026.” 

For more vision innovation news and updates, check out the Global Innovation Center's LinkedIn page.