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In 2026, AI will move from hype to pragmatism

January 2, 2026
Rebecca Bellan
TechCrunch
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**The Future of AI: What to Expect in 2026** As we look ahead to 2026, the landscape of artificial intelligence is poised for significant transformation. This article will take you through the exciting developments that are set to redefine how we experience and utilize AI in our daily lives. **Moving Beyond Hype** For years, AI has been a hot topic, often filled with grand promises and flashy presentations. However, by 2026, the focus will shift towards practical applications. This means you can expect AI technologies to become more reliable and useful in real-world scenarios. The excitement will still be there, but it will be grounded in tangible results. **Innovative Architectures and Models** New architectures will emerge, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of AI systems. Smaller models will gain traction, making AI more accessible. This means businesses of all sizes can harness AI tools. You don’t need to be a tech giant to benefit from these advancements. **The Rise of Reliable Agents** The idea of reliable agents will take center stage. These AI systems will not only perform tasks

In 2026, here's what you can expect from the AI industry: new architectures, smaller models, world models, reliable agents, physical AI, and products designed for real-world use.

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