AI has become the defining layer of every product, network and service. At IMC 2026 and MWC 2026 the industry moved from 'smart and connected' to 'intelligent', and Techarc tracks how that shift shows up in smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, telecom networks and business operations.
By Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Co-founder · Read the full analysis
AI is moving from a feature to the foundation of technology products. Ahead of the 2025 festive season, over 150 smartphone models with AI features were available across price segments, and Apple rebuilt Siri on Google's Gemini model at WWDC 2026. Techarc expects AI to improve the usability of tablets, which could lift sales from about 4.5 million units in 2025 to 4.7–4.8 million in 2026, and to shape smart TV experiences in a market forecast at 12–13 million units.
The shift reaches well beyond devices. At IMC 2026, the focus was on networks that use AI to plan, operate and secure themselves. Businesses are applying AI to forecasting, corporate mobility and content production, which raises new questions about originality, trust and monetisation.
Over 150 smartphone models with AI features were available for the 2025 festive season, across price segments.
A move from smart and connected to intelligent: AI as the defining layer of products, networks and services.
Techarc expects better AI-driven usability to lift tablet sales from about 4.5 million units in 2025 to 4.7–4.8 million in 2026.
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