Smart home technology trends emphasize AI and energy efficiency

Developments in smart home technology are increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence, as highlighted by upcoming trends for IFA Berlin 2026. While manufacturers emphasize AI, ecosystems, and automated energy management, experts suggest consumers prioritize practical factors such as energy consumption, compatibility with existing systems, long-term software support, and ease of use over marketing labels.

Energy efficiency remains a critical metric, with the European Commission utilizing energy labels to help consumers compare products. In the consumer market, affordable smart home entry points are appearing, such as discounted smart lighting solutions that offer remote control via smartphone apps and voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.