What I expect from 2026

2026 has arrived.

As in every year, the word "hope" will be used abundantly this year as well. I want to use that word a little less and see itsequivalent a little more. Without further ado, I am dreaming of a year where what issupposed to happenactually comesto pass.

Because most problems stem not from a lack of resources, but from things being left unfinished.

This article is exactly a list of those things.

1. I hope the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) will truly return to the "first come, first served" principle for domain names.For y

ears, the domain names transferred from METU to the BTKhave beena source of frustration.This was the principle defended during the process.As someone who has used the name Netizen for years andconsistently carried this name in mycolumns,I wanted to acquire the netizen.tr domain name.My hosting company, Natro,told me that the BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority) was requesting dozens of documents.The result wasdid not change: I could not get the domain name. What were we advocating for all those years then? If the "first come, first served" ruleisnothing more than a principle on paper,then the BTK needs totruly resolve this issue.

2. For RTÜK to one day stop being an institution that acts as acontent arbiter I hope itemerges.

Managing public frequencies,protecting technical standards,and broadcasting not on the axis offreedom–prohibition,but rathera structure defined byengineering disciplineispossible.In other words, it should operate like its counterpart in America, the Federal Communications Commission.An institution that is not concerned with who says what,but ratherwith how the signal is broadcast.

3. Turkish Airlines’ Miles&&Smiles loyalty program to truly be effective.

Loyalty programs mis a way of saying to the customer, "I know you." But most of the time, miles accumulate, but the reward never comes. In 2026, I want to see a year where Miles&Smiles gains meaning not on a screen, but in tickets and experiences. Loyalty is not a table,but a matter of feeling.4.

The Turkish Language Association's "wInstead of occupying itself with symbolictasks like choosing the “word of the year”or finding a Turkish equivalent for “selfie,”I want it to focus on the issue ofa real linguistic infrastructure.

Turkishis currently being tested most in the fields of artificial intelligence, speechrecognition, and natural language processing. Despite this, the TDK'sstill being occupied with putting words in theshop window is strange. In 2026, the TDK shouldtransform into an institution that creates comprehensiveword pools for artificial intelligence and speech recognition, extractscontext sets, and produces pronunciation and usage data,evolving intois possible. It could even demonstrate a will to systematically simplifyArabic-originwords that have become established in the Turkish language.5. Apple's

post-Tim Cook era and a returnto itsfactorysettings.a yearthat I hope will be.

Apple has longbeen like a machine that worksflawlessly but fails to excite. Yet, what made Apple, Apple, was not just its reliability; it was thecourage to lead the way. In 2026, I hope its softwareremains powerful, but its hardwareshould also beshould plan for lasting innovations rather than window-dressing moves. Let us talk about "who did it right in the long run" rather than "who did it first."

6. I hope that the project Jony Ive is working on with OpenAI will turn into an affordablephone as soon as possible.

For a long time, the technologyworldhas not been talking about a new device, but rather newproducts.we are living. When Ive's name ismentioned,the issue is more about the way of thinkingthanthe hardware. Ifthis project is to move beyond being an elite toy, itand turns into an accessible devicethewayif it does, 2026 could truly be the year when a new categorydebate begins.

7. Samsung's sectorvision for foldablephone fantasydid not dragI hope it will be a year that does not.

Samsung is one of the brands thatsets the direction in the mobile world. That is why every step it takesaffects not only its own products,butthe entire industry. FoldableFoldable phones might be interesting, but it is clear that they do not fit into everyone's life.In 2026, I want to see a year where Samsung focuses more on the question of "what is necessary" rather than "what ispossible."I want to see a year where they focus onwhat is necessary.

8. I want Disney+, which we pay for, not to make us watch advertisements as well.I want Disney+, which we pay for, not to make us watch advertisements as well.

A subscription is a simple agreement. I pay, and the content remains uninterrupted. Those who want to watch ads already have free options. I hope 2026 will be a year when digital platformsdo notconfusethe customer with the viewer.

9. I want Instagram to free its user interfacefrom the 1990s-era localizationreflexes.

Like writing "takip" (follow) on a "Follow" button, solutions like thesedo more to exhaust theuser than to localize the language. The problem is not just the words; in general, the Instagram interfaceis no longeruniversal, simple, or intuitive. A good interfaceis not translated; it is understood.becomes accessible.

10. I want Allianz's supplementary health insurance totruly besupplementary.

I have beenan Allianzcustomer for three years. This year, on a Sundaywe truly needed it for the first time and the system did notwork. Despite the insistence of the doctor and the hospital, the payment was notmade. I paid andleft. Monthspassed, and the issue is still unresolved. Yet, insuranceis exactly what gains meaning in these moments. BGreat brands are remembered on the days they are needed most.It is a pity.