I asked AI to predict 2026 — here’s the boldest forecasts from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

Tom’s Guide

Search Tom’s Guide

View Profile

Newsletters

Best Picks

Entertainment

Prime Day Deals
Switch 2 Restock

Galaxy Z Fold 7
Wordle Today

Best Mattress
Best laptops

You may like

I just tested the newest versions of ChatGPT vs Gemini vs DeepSeek vs Claude — and the winner completely surprised me

Back to the Future was released 40 years ago — here’s all the AI they predicted that we have (and what they missed)

Anthropic CEO claims AI will cause mass unemployment in the next 5 years — here’s why

Their responses were fascinating, surprisingly different, and revealed just how uniquely each AI approaches predictions. Here’s what they told me.

1. Google Gemini

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Technology was Gemini’s strongest suit. It predicted that 2026 will be the year of “agentic AI” — AI systems that don’t just respond to prompts but actually set goals and execute plans autonomously. Gemini also emphasized multimodal AI becoming mainstream, where your AI assistant can simultaneously analyze your screenshot, hear your voice command, and understand the context of your email.
On culture, Gemini painted a fascinating picture of contradictions. It predicted a “Dark Mode” mindset taking hold, not just in UI design but in overall aesthetics. Think moodier fashion, darker music, and social media content that pushes back against toxic positivity. Simultaneously, it forecasted a “Cosy Comeback” with people craving comfort and slow living as an antidote to hustle culture.
The AI also made a bold prediction about cultural preservation becoming trendy among young people, with brands needing to genuinely respect tradition rather than simply appropriating it for marketing.
Fashion predictions were surprisingly specific. Gemini named exact colors for Spring/Summer 2026: Transformative Teal, Electric Fuchsia, Blue Aura, Amber Haze, and Jelly Mint. It predicted that plaid would become a neutral (wear it head-to-toe, apparently) and that brown teddy coats would be everywhere.

2. ChatGPT

(Image: © Shutterstock)

In technology, ChatGPT made some counterintuitive predictions. While other AIs focused on AI advancement, ChatGPT predicted that “generic chatbots” would be out by 2026. The novelty of “just talking to a chatbot” will wear off unless the experience is highly personalized. It also boldly declared that “crypto-as-a-lifestyle” is over.
It also predicted the rise of “AI-native apps”, applications built entirely around AI interactions rather than having AI features bolted on. It also forecasted that local AI models would boom as people grow wary of cloud data collection.
ChatGPT’s cultural predictions felt the most human. It identified “digital decluttering” and “analog luxe” as major trends, predicting people will increasingly crave low-tech moments and artisanal experiences. This aligns with the growing backlash against screen time and digital overwhelm. It also predicted “AI-ethics as status” — where knowing how your AI works becomes the new social flex.
Fashion-wise, ChatGPT predicted a “color comeback” after years of washed-out minimalism, calling it “dopamine dressing 2.0.” It also forecasted the rise of “post-normcore utilitywear”. Perhaps fittingly, ChatGPT was the only AI to coin terms that sounded like they’d already gone viral on TikTok.
And its entertainment predictions were bold: it declared that “endless franchise reboots” would be out. Given superhero fatigue and the mixed reception of long-running franchises, this feels prescient.

(Image: © Future/NPowell)

Claude took the most integrated approach, emphasizing “seamless integration” over isolated trends. It predicted AI-powered AR/VR experiences that adapt to individual users, emphasizing that by 2026, these technologies would feel natural rather than a novelty. Claude came with receipts: $200.87 billion AR/VR market by 2030, adding analytical heft to its predictions.
In culture, Claude introduced the concept of “The Great Redirection”, driven by elections in 64 countries with half the world’s population voting in 2024-2025. This political angle was unique among the three AIs. Claude argued that all this voting would make people crave genuine, community-driven experiences over manufactured cultural trends.
Claude also forecast “The Great Unretirement” with seniors returning to work, a trend that’s already emerging but could accelerate by 2026.
Fashion predictions centered on “Bio-Harmony”. Claude went beyond typical trend forecasting to predict bio-engineered materials inspired by ecosystems, with garments designed as “second skins” that grow, evolve and biodegrade. By far, this was by far the most futuristic prediction across all three AIs.
It’s entertainment analysis was market-focused, predicting gaming would surpass $300 billion by 2028 and that advertising-supported streaming would become the primary growth model. It provided specific revenue projections, noting ad revenue would hit $1 trillion in 2026.

What this reveals about AI prediction

(Image: © Shutterstock)

This exercise revealed something fascinating about how different AI models approach uncertainty. Each seemed to default to its training strengths: Gemini acted like a data analyst, ChatGPT like a cultural critic, and Claude like a researcher trying to connect the dots
None of the AIs claimed certainty — they all acknowledged that prediction is inherently speculative. But their different approaches suggests AI prediction works best as a group project, with each model bringing its own analytical superpowers to the table.
As we head toward 2026, the truth will likely incorporate elements from all three perspectives. I thought it was really interesting that each AI’s predictions revealed as much about its own “personality” as about the future itself.

More from Tom’s Guide

I used AI to make my own Wordle-style games — here’s how you can too
I tested ChatGPT-4o vs Gemini Advanced with 5 AI image prompts
5 mind-blowing ChatGPT image prompts you’ll wish you knew sooner

Back to Laptops

Intel Core i3

Intel Core i5

Intel Core i7

Storage Size

Screen Size

Refurbished

Screen Type

Storage Type

Showing 10 of 126 deals

Apple 13″ MacBook Air M4 (2025)

(256GB Blue)

$899Preorder

Apple 15″ MacBook Air M4 (2025)

(15-inch 1TB)

$1,599View Deal

Dell XPS 13 (2016)

$569View Deal

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9)

(512GB OLED)

$858.11View Deal

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ChromeBook Plus

(14-inch 128GB)

$599View Deal

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)

(14-inch 1TB)

$1,569.95View Deal

Apple 13″ MacBook Air M4 (2025)

$849View Deal

Apple 15″ MacBook Air M4 (2025)

(16GB RAM SSD)

$1,035View Deal

Dell XPS 13 Plus

(13.4-inch)

$1,099.99View Deal

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9)

$1,289.99View Deal

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Kaycee Hill

Social Links Navigation
How-to Editor

Kaycee is Tom’s Guide’s How-To Editor, known for tutorials that skip the fluff and get straight to what works. She writes across AI, homes, phones, and everything in between — because life doesn’t stick to categories and neither should good advice. With years of experience in tech and content creation, she’s built her reputation on turning complicated subjects into straightforward solutions. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books. Her debut collection is published by Bloodaxe, with a second book in the works.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

I just tested the newest versions of ChatGPT vs Gemini vs DeepSeek vs Claude — and the winner completely surprised me

Back to the Future was released 40 years ago — here’s all the AI they predicted that we have (and what they missed)

Anthropic CEO claims AI will cause mass unemployment in the next 5 years — here’s why

These five lesser-known AI tools are a must for boosting productivity

I’ve been using ChatGPT for over 2 years — these 5 prompts show how far it’s come

I’ve created thousands of AI images and these are the best AI image generators of 2025

Latest in AI

Forget ChatGPT and Gemini — this lesser-known chatbot just ranked No. 1 for privacy

ChatGPT is reportedly building a Google Workspace and Microsoft Office rival — here’s what we know

Microsoft reportedly ‘struggling’ to convince companies to buy Copilot — yup, employees prefer ChatGPT

Alexa+ reviewer pans new AI: ‘If this is Amazon’s version of intelligent, I’m low-key scared for the future’

ChatGPT was down — Here’s what happened during the quick OpenAI outage

The one word you should never say to your AI chatbot

Latest in Opinion

Want a finger massage? You can get one for over $30 off right now with this Bob & Brad massager I’ve been testing for weeks

The Sonos Ace have one of my favorite wireless features — and it’s not the ANC

Just add speakers: I tested this amazing-looking streaming amplifier, and its filled with futuristic features to make your music sound epic

‘M3GAN 2.0’ takes the killer robot doll in a ridiculous new direction — and it mostly works

Panasonic’s 2025 TVs are getting one of the neatest new features — LG and Samsung should copy it

Forget Galaxy Fold Ultra — here’s what Samsung needs to reveal at Unpacked