BERLIN — IFA 2026, Europe's largest consumer electronics trade show, closed Thursday at the Messe Berlin fairgrounds with on-device artificial intelligence as the defining theme across audio, computing and home appliances. Organisers reported strong exhibitor attendance from more than 1,800 companies.

The show, which opened August 28, showcased a wave of AI-powered hardware. Sonos promoted its new Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones, both built around an AI-driven audio operating system. Samsung and Qualcomm featured new on-device AI processors intended to run generative models locally without cloud connectivity.

Messe Berlin and gfu Consumer & Home Electronics emphasised energy efficiency and privacy as selling points for local AI processing. Chinese manufacturers including TCL and Hisense presented large-format displays and AI home appliances, while European startups occupied an expanded innovation hall dedicated to robotics and smart-home devices.

Analysts at Counterpoint Research and CCS Insight said the concentration of on-device AI announcements signalled a strategic shift as manufacturers seek to differentiate hardware amid slowing global smartphone and PC sales. Exhibitors argued that running AI locally reduces latency and addresses European data-protection concerns under the GDPR.

"This year's IFA confirmed that AI has moved from the cloud into the device in the hands of consumers," said Karina Zippel, gfu spokesperson, at the closing press briefing. She added that footfall had exceeded the previous edition.