# 5 AI Trends to Watch in 2026 How generative AI will transform e-commerce and software development - **Source:** [eBay Tech Blog](https://tech.ebayinc.com) - **Published:** 2026-01-16 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6f585f6d-823f-4dec-9a62-340c37146f60 ## Trust Becomes the New Global Currency eBay's VP predicts AI will simplify payments and logistics by 2026, creating a trust-centric commerce ecosystem. Continuous AI verification will authenticate products in real-time, shifting focus from transactions to relationship-building. This transforms global trade dynamics fundamentally. ## AI Revolutionizes Sustainable Shopping Generative AI will boost circular economy by simplifying secondhand product discovery. Users can match items with single photos, while waste management systems will identify recyclables before landfill. These innovations position AI as sustainability's most powerful ally in retail. ## Context Unlocks Developer Productivity Companies mastering contextual AI delivery will achieve exponential engineering speed by 2026. Deep understanding of existing systems becomes crucial for augmenting (not replacing) human developers. This approach proves especially valuable in complex enterprise environments. ## Emotionally Intelligent Shopping Experiences AI will add emotional dimension to e-commerce, helping brands forge deeper connections. Whether searching for vintage Pokémon cards or perfect outfits, shopping transforms into joyful discovery. Brands leveraging this emotional richness will achieve unprecedented customer loyalty. ## The Art of Embracing Uncertainty 2026 will require product teams to master uncertainty management with AI systems. Moving beyond predictable outputs, teams must adopt John Keats' 'negative capability' - being comfortable with ambiguity. This mindset shift defines next-generation product leadership. ## Human-AI Harmony Drives Transformation eBay executives highlight AI's role as human capability augmenter rather than replacer. Across retail and software development, solutions enhancing (not automating) human experience will dominate. This synergy unlocks radical productivity gains while preserving creative human touch. ## Sources covering this story - https://innovation.ebayinc.com/stories/ai-trends-to-watch-in-2026/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._