Today, I’m peering into my crystal ball (okay, it’s mostly trend reports and a dash of wishful thinking) for 2026. Ecommerce and software development are evolving faster than a viral TikTok dance, and while some changes are game-changers, others might just make us chuckle. Let’s dive into my predictions – a mix of serious shifts and some tongue-in-cheek “what ifs” that’ll keep things fun. Buckle up; the future’s arriving faster than next-day delivery.

1. Social Media Becomes the New Mall – And It Knows Your Size

We’ve already seen selling activity shift toward social platforms, but by 2026, it’ll be on steroids. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and whatever Elon renames X to next will offer seamless, one-tap ecommerce functionality. No more clunky redirects to websites; you’ll buy that trendy sweater mid-scroll without leaving the app. Expect integrated AR try-ons and live shopping events that feel like hanging out with friends – if your friends were influencers hawking merch.

2. LLMs: Your Personal Shopping Therapist (With a Checkout Button)

Consumers are already chatting with AI for advice, but in 2026, large language models (LLMs) will guide the entire purchasing journey. Picture asking your favorite AI, “What’s the best eco-friendly laptop for a nomadic coder?” and getting tailored options, comparisons, and – here’s the kicker – a direct buy button right in the chat. No need to hop to a web store; the AI handles the transaction securely. This’ll supercharge personalization, making every shopper feel like a VIP.

3. Merchants Go Ultra-Niche: Because Generic is So 2025

Merchants will keep niching down, offering hyper-specialized experiences tailored to product types and customer quirks. Think a store just for sustainable pet toys for allergy-prone dogs, complete with customized quizzes and community forums. This isn’t just about products; it’s about building tribes around them, with web apps that adapt in real-time based on user data.

4. AI Actually Becomes Somewhat Useful In Software Development

AI adoption will explode in software development. Tools like AI coding assistants will handle routine tasks, letting humans focus on strategy and creativity. Low-code/no-code platforms will improve, making app planning as easy as dragging and dropping.

5. Less Code, Better Code

The downside, most developers will use coding tools poorly at first leading to an explosion in AI code slop like never before. Vibe coders will lose patience after trying to build their 100th world-changing app. However, good coders and software engineers will use AI coding tools smartly and start to see an actual increase in productivity, not just bugs and hallucinated functions. When that happens, one good coder will build like 10!

6. Forget About Voice Commerce, Stuff You Need Will Just Show Up

Today, it seems like I only have to tell my daughter I’m buying her a pony and, all of a sudden, the internet gives me ads on saddles and riding lessons. I can’t afford a pony, what are they thinking?

Forget the middle man, as soon as I think that dad-joke a pony will show up at my door with an invoice. We’ll circumvent the middle man. No more ads but way more horse droppings to explain.

In all seriousness, I do think 2026 will be a pivotal year. So many technologies are merging and maturing at the same time that I really just have one prediction: it will be the year of surprises!

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