As CES returns for 2026, Wi-Fi is poised for a major evolution. With new standards rolling out and intelligent use cases emerging, this year could mark a turning point in wireless connectivity. Here are five trends shaping the future of Wi-Fi.
1. Wider rollout of Wi-Fi 7 – real-world speed and reliability boosts
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) continues to gain momentum in both consumer and business markets. Thanks to advances in next-generation Wi-Fi chipsets incorporating AI features, expect Wi-Fi 7 to deliver greater reliability, lower latency and more efficient multi-device performance.
2. Wi-Fi management gets smarter – AI/ML-driven optimization and analytics
Network operators and smart home management platforms are increasingly using AI and machine learning to optimize performance and improve the subscriber experience. Wi-Fi is evolving into an intelligent, adaptive system ideal for the explosion of connected devices in homes, businesses and communities.
Edge AI will deliver real-time intelligence on devices.3. Smart homes and edge AI – Wi-Fi as the backbone, AI adds the smarts
The number of connected devices will skyrocket, both inside and outside the home, driving the need for extended range, better outdoor coverage and simplified IoT connectivity. Edge AI will deliver real-time intelligence on devices, enabling faster responses to security alerts, energy optimization and easier cross-platform IoT integration, while keeping data local for improved privacy.
4. Beyond speed – focus on reliability, stability and real-world performance
New Wi-Fi developments prioritize resilience: stable connectivity across many devices, improved performance in high interference environments and seamless roaming. This is critical as homes, offices and public spaces continue to increase network load.
5. Looking ahead: Wi-Fi 8 – future proofing the network
Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn), still in development, focuses on ultra-high reliability, enhanced mesh connectivity and better real-world performance in congested environments and AI-centric workloads. CES 2026 will likely preview products designed with Wi-Fi 8 readiness in mind.
Whether for smart homes, office upgrades or next-generation connected devices, the coming evolution of Wi-Fi marks a shift toward smarter, more scalable and more reliable wireless networks.