Updated October 2026. This post originally covered 2024 devices; I’ve rewritten it with the launches that matter this year.
2026 has been a big year for hardware. Foldables got wider, flagship phones gained new in-house chips, smartwatches added new health sensors, and smart glasses went from niche to genuinely popular. Here’s my pick of the gadgets worth your attention, plus what I look at from a security and privacy point of view before buying anything.
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: the foldable gets wider
Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at Galaxy Unpacked in London on 22 July 2026, alongside a Fold 8 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip 8. The headline change is a new, wider form factor, which makes the outer screen feel more like a normal phone and the inner screen more like a small tablet.
Who it’s for: people who read, multitask or review documents on the go and want one device instead of a phone plus a tablet.
2. Google Pixel 11 series and Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Google unveiled the Pixel 11 line on 12 August 2026 (13 August in India): the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, powered by Google’s new Tensor G6 chip. As always with Pixel, the appeal is the camera processing and fast, long-term software updates straight from Google.
Who it’s for: anyone who wants a clean Android experience and values getting security patches quickly.
3. Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro on 9 September 2026. It runs on the A20 Pro chip and uses Apple’s own C2 cellular modem, with a triple 48MP rear camera system that includes a 5x optical telephoto lens.
Who it’s for: iPhone users coming from an older model, especially if camera zoom matters to you.
4. Apple Watch Series 12
Announced alongside the iPhone and on sale from 18 September 2026, the Apple Watch Series 12 brings the S11 chip and a new optical health-sensing system, in 42mm and 46mm sizes.
Who it’s for: anyone with a watch that’s three or more generations old, where the health features have moved on noticeably.
5. AI smart glasses
Smart glasses are the breakout category of the year. Counterpoint Research reported that AI smart glasses shipments grew by around 263% year on year in the first half of 2026, with Meta’s Ray-Ban and Meta-branded models making up the vast majority of the market. Glasses with built-in displays are still a small slice, but that segment grew even faster, and Samsung and Google are preparing their first Android XR glasses.
Who it’s for: early adopters who want hands-free photos, calls and an AI assistant. Be thoughtful about where you wear camera glasses, though, because the people around you haven’t agreed to be recorded.
6. A hardware security key
Not glamorous, but it’s the gadget I recommend most. A hardware security key (or simply using the passkeys built into your phone) protects your most important accounts against phishing, because the login only works on the real website. Passkeys have gone mainstream: the FIDO Alliance estimates around 5 billion are now in use.
Who it’s for: everyone, starting with your email account, since it’s the key to resetting every other password.
How I choose gadgets as a security researcher
Before buying any connected device, I check four things:
- Update promise: how many years of security updates the manufacturer commits to. A cheaper phone with short support can cost you more in the long run.
- Where AI features process data: on the device, or sent to the cloud. Look for the setting that controls this.
- Default privacy settings: camera, microphone, location and analytics sharing. Review them on day one.
- Account security: turn on passkeys or two-factor authentication for the account the device is tied to.
Want more on keeping your devices and accounts safe? Read my guide to protecting your personal information online.
