Samsung Electronics is using CES 2026 as a platform to outline how it sees the next phase of connected home appliances taking shape. Rather than introducing entirely new product categories, the company’s announcements focus on incremental but targeted upgrades across fabric care, climate control, and robotic cleaning. The emphasis is on tighter integration between devices, faster cycle times, and greater automation driven by onboard sensors and software, reflecting a broader industry shift toward practical AI applications rather than abstract feature claims.
At the center of the announcement is the updated Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, which builds on the all-in-one washer-dryer Samsung introduced in 2024. The 2026 version prioritizes reduced wash-to-dry times and more consistent drying results. A revised Super Speed cycle uses a high-pressure spray system to improve detergent penetration and rinsing efficiency, while a newly added Booster Heat Exchanger is designed to stabilize drying performance across different fabric loads. An Auto Open Door+ function now automatically opens the door and circulates air after wash-only cycles, a practical adjustment aimed at reducing moisture buildup and odor without user intervention. The system’s AI Wash & Dry+ logic has also been expanded, using multiple sensors to assess load weight, fabric type, and soil levels in real time. Samsung is positioning this as a refinement of automation rather than a replacement for user control. Hardware changes include a redesigned lint filter with a larger capture area and easier access, as well as the introduction of a lower-cost model with a smaller display and physical jog dial to broaden price accessibility.
The Bespoke AI AirDresser also returns with a focus on performance gains rather than cosmetic redesign. The updated model introduces Auto Wrinkle Care, which combines airflow and steam delivery to reduce creasing more efficiently, particularly for shorter refresh cycles. Samsung states that the system delivers high-temperature steam deep into fabrics to maintain garment freshness and reduce odors and certain microorganisms. A new intelligent drying course adjusts run time based on load size to avoid unnecessary heat exposure. One of the more notable updates is tighter integration with the Laundry Combo. Through Auto Cycle Link, the AirDresser can automatically match drying settings to the wash cycle that just completed, allowing garments that require special care to move between appliances with minimal manual setup.
Climate control updates come in the form of the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro Air Conditioner, which places greater emphasis on airflow customization. The unit increases its blade count from one to three, allowing air to be directed in multiple patterns depending on room layout and user preference. Samsung outlines seven distinct wind modes, ranging from faster initial cooling to broader, more diffuse airflow designed to avoid direct drafts. The system uses motion sensing to detect user presence and adjust airflow direction accordingly, while AI-based cooling logic analyzes temperature, humidity, and room size to switch between cooling and dehumidification strategies. An energy management mode is also included, which the company says can reduce power consumption by moderating compressor behavior during extended use, though real-world savings will depend on usage conditions.
In robotic cleaning, Samsung is expanding the capabilities of its Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra rather than redefining the category. The robot vacuum incorporates upgraded object recognition powered by a Qualcomm processor, allowing it to better identify people, pets, cables, and floor transitions. A new liquid recognition feature enables the device to detect spills and either clean or avoid them based on user-defined settings. Physical mobility has also been addressed through revised wheel mechanisms that allow the robot to clear higher thresholds than previous models, reducing the need for manual repositioning.
Across all of these announcements, Samsung’s CES 2026 strategy appears focused on tightening the feedback loop between user behavior and appliance response. The updates favor measurable improvements in speed, coordination, and convenience rather than experimental features, suggesting a more conservative but arguably more mature approach to AI-connected living. The company’s showroom at CES will serve primarily as a demonstration space for these refinements, positioning them as near-term upgrades rather than long-horizon concepts.
