The Future of Consumer Technology 2026 (Bitkom)

Summary

• Headphone users wear their headphones 12.7 hours per week on average, and 74% of them want headphones with real-time translation.p.7
• 89% stream videos, while 81% still watch live TV via cable, satellite or antenna.p.7
• Users of paid video subscriptions spend €18.50 per month on average.p.7
• 15% have already worn smart glasses and a further 28% would like to.p.7
• 60% have already used at least one augmented reality application.p.7
• 55% play video or computer games at least occasionally, and 75% of gamers spent money on games or digital game content in the past twelve months.p.7
• Smartphones are forecast to generate €12.1 billion in 2026, with 18.5 million devices sold at an average net price of €657.p.10

Key insights

1. Flat-screen TVs are the largest segment of classic consumer electronics with revenue of €2.81 billion, or 37% of the market.p.10
2. Audio and video accessories reach €1.71 billion, or 22% of the classic consumer technology market.p.10
3. Wireless in-ear headphones are used by 50% of headphone users, followed by wired in-ear headphones (47%).p.12
4. 63% of headphone users wear them at home, 56% on public transport and 44% during sports.p.14
5. 53% sometimes put on headphones just to signal they do not want to be disturbed, up from 40% in 2020.p.15
6. 35% of the population have already used a VR headset and a further 43% would like to, so 78% are basically open to virtual reality.p.27
7. Only 12% of VR users use a VR headset at least weekly.p.25
8. 81% watch live TV via classic connections in 2026, compared to 86% in the previous year.p.29
9. 55% watch videos in social networks, up from 46% in 2024.p.30