The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held annually in Las Vegas, doesn’t just kick off the tech year — it sets the tone for what we’ll be fitting and tweaking in our cars over the next 12 months. This year, with the show starting tomorrow, running from January 6-9, expect fewer EV debuts from the big OEMs this time around, but a whole lot of AI, autonomy, connectivity and cockpit tech that’s going to blur the line between a car and a smart device on wheels.
There are various seminars and keynotes worth bookmarking. Bosch’s Mobility Stage returns, while talks on autonomy ecosystems, software-defined vehicles and the future of connectivity pepper the CES agenda. There are deep dives into AI’s role in smarter vehicles, and sessions like “Is the Car of the Future Just Another Consumer Device?”, with keynotes from major tech companies that will underpin next-gen vehicles.
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On the OEM and mobility front, Sony Honda Mobility has signalled it will bring pre-production versions of its AFEELA 1 and a new concept to CES, showing how Sony’s entertainment DNA blends with Honda’s automotive chops. With features like PlayStation Remote Play already being touted for AFEELA-class vehicles, CES could show how entertainment in cars is heading beyond the usual radio and podcasts into real gaming experiences in-vehicle.
Audio and infotainment won’t be left behind either. Pioneer has confirmed a big presence, showcasing everything from spatial audio systems to AI-enabled camera platforms and cockpit controllers for software-defined vehicles — even solutions for motorcycles and two-wheelers too. Meanwhile, LG Electronics has already scooped the show's “Best of Innovation” award with AI-powered in-vehicle solutions that look to turn windscreens into intelligent display surfaces and cabins into context-aware spaces tailored to the driver’s needs.
Plus, the technologies demoed at CES— whether it’s advanced Dolby Atmos-like sound systems pushing immersive audio standards or new Android Automotive and IVI ecosystems from groups like P3 — will feed straight into the aftermarket roadmap for 2026 and beyond.
What makes CES special isn’t just the gadgets on show — or the many celebrity appearances — it’s the narrative shift. This year we’re looking at AI-assisted driving, software-defined cockpits, connected mobility, and audiovisual experiences that feel more like personalised tech than legacy car kit. Whether you’re an installer, an OEM tech buff, or just an enthusiast wondering what’s next for the dash and beyond, CES 2026 is where you start piecing together how all of this will land in real cars — and on real roads — later this year.
Join us every day this week as we bring you the biggest automotive and in-car tech stories from CES.
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