AI agents, super-apps, quantum security… These trends will shape 2026.

The following is an overview of key trends, with additional explanations of terms and examples.

1. The rise of AI agents: from chatbots to autonomous digital workers

AI agents represent a new generation of artificial intelligence, systems that not only respond to queries but independently perform complex processes, make decisions, call external services and work in the background without constant human intervention. They differ from classic chatbots in that they understand goals, not just questions.

Infobip estimates that by 2026, up to 95 percent of useful queries will be processed by AI agents. Gartner predicts that by 2028, up to 90 percent of B2B transactions will involve AI agents, which means that digital systems will negotiate, order, and procure on behalf of companies.

Agent platforms enable companies to design their own agents, connect them to CRM and ERP, and manage automation while monitoring compliance and ethical standards. Applications are moreć visible in banking, logistics, telecommunications, e-commerce and healthcare, where agents automate routine tasks and take over an increasing part of communication with users.

2. Generative artificial intelligence is becoming the standard of business applications

Forbes predicts that by 2026, about 80 percent of business applications will include AI copilots. These systems help employees generate reports, write code, prepare contracts, analyze data and manage projects.
At the same time, the importance of domain-specific language models, called DSLM, is growing. These are models trained on data from certain industries, such as medicine, finance or pharmaceuticals. Due to their specialization, they are more precise, safer and regulatory compliant. Gartner expects that by 2028, more than half of AI models in companies will be of this domain type.

3. Super-apps and rich communication channels are changing the user experience

Super-apps become digital hubs for communication, shopping and support. WhatsApp and RCS are increasingly functioning as unique spaces where one can view the offer, order a product, pay for services and chat with support without leaving the application.

RCS enables interactive product cards, galleries, purchase buttons and identity verification, while WhatsApp is getting more and more business functions. Retail sale moreć uses these features to display products and complete purchases within the conversation, and healthcare institutions use them to book appointments and pay for examinations. Banks also introduce verifications, credit status and personalized offers through communication channels.

The combination of AI agents and super-apps creates integrated user journeys that are faster, simpler and more intuitive.

4. Data management is becoming the key challenge of the AI ​​revolution

More and more advanced AI capabilities reveal the biggest problem of companies, which is the fragmentation and poor quality of data. Companies are faced with scattered databases, outdated records and inconsistent formats. This is precisely why they are increasingly using smaller, specialized AI models that can be run locally and that enable better protection of private data.

Infobip emphasizes the importance of connecting internal data sources in order to get a more complete picture of the user and enable more accurate automation. Companies that successfully organize their data infrastructure realize the greatest benefits from the introduction of artificial intelligence.

5. New era of security: quantum threats, zero trust and digital provenance

Security enters the strategic top priority. Quantum computers pose a potential threat because they could break today’s encryption standards. This is why the transition towards quantum secure algorithms, which should withstand the attacks of future quantum systems, begins.

Zero trust edge means a security model in which identity, access and authority are checked directly at the edge of the network, i.e. at devices and places where data is generated. This is key for environments with a large number of IoT devices and remote workers.

Digital provenance is becoming important due to the rise of deepfake content and manipulated media. Riječ is about systems that ensure the authenticity of documents, images, videos and other digital data. Companies are increasingly introducing these technologies to protect users and their brand.

6. The industrial cloud and AI supercomputers are becoming the basis of business

Training advanced AI models requires enormous computing power, which encourages the development of AI supercomputers that combine different types of processors and accelerators. At the same time, the use of industrial cloud platforms that unify infrastructure, applications and data for specific sectors such as health, finance, science or production is growing.

Such platforms have moreć built-in security and regulatory settings, which makes implementation easier. According to estimates, by the end of 2026, the industrial cloud will be used by 70 percent of large companies, compared to only 15 percent in 2023.

7. Robotics and physical artificial intelligence are conquering warehouses and plants

Physical artificial intelligence will include robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and smart machines that rely on AI to move, make decisions, and perform tasks. Gartner predicts that by 2028, more than 80 percent of the world’s warehouses will use AI robotics for sorting, packaging, inventory, and logistics planning.

This trend is changing the nature of industry and logistics, increasing efficiency and reducing operating costs. At the same time, it opens up issues of future skills needed by workers who will collaborate with robots.

8. Augmented reality enters everyday business life

Augmented reality, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, is becoming an everyday tool in the industry. More advanced and lighter devices enable use in training, safety simulations, remote expertise, product design and hazardous location inspections.

The XR technology market is experiencing rapid growth, and a wider commercial application is expected in 2026, especially in the health sector, energy and industry.

9. Digital twins are becoming a strategic tool for business management

A digital twin is a digital replica of a physical system, machine, process or even an entire organization. It is connected to the real system through sensors and real-time data, which enables simulations, predictions and optimization.

Companies use digital twins to test processes without real costs, for early detection of faults, for modeling energy consumption or for faster product development. In 2026, digital twins move from engineering tools to central systems for making business decisions.

10. Sustainability and technology in the era of CSRD regulations

The new European directive on corporate sustainability reporting, known as CSRD, obliges large companies to report in detail on emissions, environmental impact, social practices and governance. It changes the way technologies are developed because sustainability becomes a mandatory part of every project.

Companies are introducing energy-efficient software, moving to sustainable cloud models, and using AI to track carbon footprints. Digital twins are increasingly used to optimize energy consumption and reduce emissions.