We’ve covered a lot in the Tech Trends 2026 series, from AI agents and quantum computing to full fibre, eSIMs and your digital driving licence. To finish, here’s what’s coming in 2027, and what you can do now to be ready.
January: landlines go digital
The UK’s old copper telephone network (PSTN) switches off on 31 January 2027. Every landline must be on a digital service like Digital Voice by then.
Do now: check that telecare alarms, burglar alarms and card machines work with digital lines, and ask your provider about a battery backup if you need your phone in a power cut.
Spring: under-16 social media ban
The UK’s ban on social media for under-16s is expected to take effect from spring 2027, with age checks on social apps and restrictions on livestreaming and contact from strangers.
Do now: set up parental controls and agree family rules.
Replaceable phone batteries
EU battery rules push phone makers towards batteries that users can replace from 2027, building on the right-to-repair rules that already require five years of updates and seven years of spare parts. Most phones sold in the UK will benefit.
Windows 10: the end for businesses too
Home users’ Windows 10 security updates ended on 13 October 2026. Businesses on paid Extended Security Updates have until October 2027 for year two, and the price goes up each year.
Do now: replace or upgrade any remaining Windows 10 PCs.
More satellite-to-phone coverage
O2’s Starlink-powered satellite service is expanding, and Vodafone is expected to launch its own satellite-to-phone service with AST SpaceMobile. “No signal” should become much rarer, even in remote areas.
The digital driving licence
The GOV.UK Wallet digital driving licence should roll out more widely. It’s free and optional, so ignore any messages asking you to pay to “apply”.
Wi-Fi 8 on the horizon
The next Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 8, focuses on reliability rather than raw speed. Early devices are expected towards the end of the decade, so there’s no need to wait for it. Wi-Fi 7 is the one to buy now.
Will tech prices come down?
The memory chip shortage that pushed up PC and phone prices in 2026 is expected to ease as new factories come online, but most forecasts suggest real relief won’t arrive until 2027–28.
Also worth watching
- Foldable phones getting cheaper as Apple and Samsung compete
- Chromebooks becoming Android laptops
- Full fibre reaching more rural areas
- Passkeys replacing passwords on more websites
- Auracast appearing in more venues and hearing aids
Your 2027 tech checklist
- ✅ Leave Windows 10 behind
- ✅ Switch on passkeys and 2-step verification
- ✅ Check your landline, alarms and telecare are ready for digital
- ✅ Review your broadband deal, as full fibre may now be available
- ✅ Back up your photos and files, and test the backup
- ✅ Set up parental controls if you have children
💡 Need a hand? If any of this feels overwhelming, from switching to digital voice to setting up passkeys, get in touch. That’s exactly what I’m here for.
Wrapping up
2027 brings some big, practical changes, and most of them are easy to prepare for. Thank you for reading, sharing and saving the Tech Trends series this year. It continues into 2027, and if there’s a topic you’d like me to explain, let me know at johnthecomputerman.co.uk/.
Next in the series: Your New Year Digital Declutter: A Tidier, Safer Setup in an Afternoon
Sources: Openreach: Switching off PSTN · GOV.UK: Social media to be banned for under-16s · Microsoft: Windows 10 Extended Security Updates · iFixit: Ecodesign for smartphones
