IoT Predictions Report 2026: The Era of Boundless Connectivity

The 2026 IoT landscape is defined by a new kind of complexity. Enterprises have more connectivity options than ever, from Non-Terrestrial Networks and NB-IoT over NTN to SGP.32 and more flexible IoT eSIM models.

At the same time, regulation, cybersecurity obligations, data sovereignty, and lifecycle expectations are tightening. This report explains why IoT success in 2026 is no longer just about connecting devices. It is about orchestrating connectivity, compliance, security, and commercial models across the full device lifecycle.

IoT Predictions 2026 at a Glance

Prediction	What changes in 2026	Why it matters
Hybrid connectivity becomes operationally viable for critical assets	Satellite IoT and NB-IoT over NTN extend visibility beyond terrestrial coverage.	Enterprises need to orchestrate terrestrial-first connectivity with satellite as a fallback, not treat satellite as a default replacement.
SGP.32 reduces technical lock-in	IoT eSIM profile switching becomes more flexible.	Flexibility does not remove commercial fragmentation, local access agreements, or regulatory licensing complexity.
Security becomes a market-access requirement	The EU Cyber Resilience Act, Radio Equipment Directive, UK PSTI, and similar regulations increase lifecycle obligations.	Connected products must be designed for updates, vulnerability monitoring, and long-term cyber-hygiene.

2026 IoT Predictions Report

Access the full report – it includes an IoT Readiness Checklist for 2026.

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What the Report Covers

Why hybrid connectivity is moving from niche use case to operational option for high-value mobile assets.
How SGP.32 changes IoT eSIM profile management, and why it does not remove commercial or regulatory complexity.
Why cybersecurity is becoming a market-access requirement for connected products.
How technical leaders can prepare for CRA, OTA updates, SBOM requirements, and lifecycle security.
A 2026 readiness checklist for product, hardware, operations, security, and procurement teams.

Key Predictions for 2026

Prediction 01: Hybrid Connectivity Extends Operational Visibility

Satellite IoT and NB-IoT over NTN are making it possible to monitor some assets beyond reliable terrestrial coverage. But this is not a default upgrade for every IoT deployment. In 2026, the strongest use cases are high-value mobile assets where visibility matters, data volumes are low, and satellite can act as a terrestrial-first fallback rather than a continuous connection.

Prediction 02: SGP.32 Reduces Technical Lock-In, but Not Commercial Complexity

SGP.32 makes IoT eSIM profile switching more flexible and can support Single SKU strategies where hardware, radio bands, and certification requirements align. But it does not automatically solve local telecom regulation, commercial agreements, or support fragmentation. Enterprises still need governance across profiles, contracts, billing, and market-specific requirements.

Prediction 03: Security Becomes a Lifecycle Market-Access Requirement

Security is moving from a product feature to an ongoing obligation. Regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act, the Radio Equipment Directive, and the UK PSTI regime are increasing pressure on manufacturers to design connected products for secure defaults, vulnerability handling, and long-term updates. For global enterprises, compliance is becoming part of the operating model, not a one-time launch task.

2026 IoT Readiness Checklist Preview

Area	Question to Ask
Connectivity	Which critical assets operate outside reliable cellular coverage?
Hardware	Are selected modules ready for hybrid Release 17 / NTN requirements where relevant?
Operations	Who will manage SGP.32 orchestration, profile changes, billing, and support?
Security	Can devices receive OTA firmware updates throughout their expected lifecycle?
Procurement	Should SGP.32-ready eUICC be included in future module RFPs?

Designed for Technical Leaders

The 2026 report is built for teams responsible for planning, securing, and scaling global IoT deployments. It includes a practical readiness checklist to help technical and commercial stakeholders assess where orchestration, compliance, and lifecycle planning need attention.

For CTOs and operations leaders: Selecting the right partner for SGP.32 orchestration.
For CISOs: Auditing firmware update and OTA pathways for CRA readiness.
For product managers: Identifying critical assets in non-cellular coverage zones.
For hardware teams: Validating hybrid Release 17 / NTN module requirements.
For procurement: Mandating SGP.32-ready eUICC in future module RFPs.

In 2026, the ‘lowest price’ is often the highest operational risk. Gaps in visibility will increasingly be interpreted as an orchestration failure rather than a technical limitation.

Martin Whitlock CTO of Telenor Connexion