Wireless networks are key levers for digital transformation, business innovation, and economic growth. However, network managers face increasing complexity in 2026. Device densities are surging and security threats are evolving. At the same time, expectations are high for consistent network performance and Quality of Experience (QoE) across every location, user, application, and wireless system.
ABI Research analysts will be attending Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona on March 2nd-March 5th to get a glimpse at the biggest innovations shaping the technology sector. In this blog, our analysts share their top expectations for the show, covering connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital security.
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The wireless market is on the up and up after a post-pandemic slump. Supply chain shortages have dissipated, and demand for wireless devices saw significant growth in 2H 2024 and through 2025.
Enterprise Wi-Fi networking teams are experiencing big gains with Artificial Intelligence (AI), but full automation is unlikely. AI tools are not immune to hallucinations and make the occasional mistake, which is too risky for high-stakes decision-making. However, ABI Research still sees AI transforming the industry in profound ways.
One of the top wireless trends in 2026 is the Wi-Fi ecosystem currently championing the potential of new, advanced forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Generative AI (Gen AI) and Agentic AI tools promoted holding the keys to autonomous networking.
Wireless connectivity is a cornerstone of consumer electronics, shaping everything from the smart home to the Internet of Things (IoT). For companies that sell the chipsets found in wireless devices, it is essential to gauge consumer demand and identify the hottest innovations.
The technology landscape is evolving rapidly, with new innovations shaping industries and driving global digital transformation. In 2025, businesses and solution providers will need to adapt to new technology trends if they want to stay one step ahead.
To the average person, Wi-Fi is simply known as a technology used to play online video games, launch Netflix, connect their laptop to the Internet, or enable other common applications. While this mostly holds true today, the future of Wi-Fi is much more appealing with the advent of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). After significant progress in standardization, ISAC is inching closer to prime time.
The year 2024 provided numerous technology trends shaping the future of nearly every industry. ABI Research analysts have been covering these developments for some time, and now it’s time to reflect upon our studies in our annual trends whitepaper. Before we dive into the list, here’s a statement from Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer:
Why Device Manufacturers and Chipset Vendors Are Increasingly Supporting Multi-Protocol Connectivity
Over the past 2 decades, the connected devices market has revolutionized daily life. With more than 55 billion connected devices forecast by the end of 2024, it’s evident that these technologies touch almost every aspect of our lives—from mobile devices and wearables to smart homes and industrial applications.