What Are The Key Video Security Trends For 2026?
Read On To Discover What’s To Come Next Year.
The video security landscape is evolving quickly, and to keep ahead of the curve, security professionals everywhere are starting to ask: What are the video security trends in 2026?
Below, we explore how the biggest shifts of 2025 are shaping what’s next for 2026, and what that means for integrators, distributors, and end-users around the world.
1. Edge AI Takes Center Stage (Our Favourite)
One of the fastest-growing trends in 2025 was the migration of intelligence away from the cloud and into the camera or local device, what we call Edge AI. Hanwha Vision describes this as the start of “super-intelligent video surveillance,” where on-device processors perform real-time analytics without external servers.
Similarly, Tech Electronics highlights that edge computing reduces latency, improves reliability, and eliminates cloud dependence.
Prediction for 2026:
We expect to see a surge in edge-native systems capable of running behavioural analysis and intent detection directly at the source. For regions governed by strict data laws, such as GDPR in Europe and localisation rules in the Middle East, this edge-first model will become the default.
Edge AI provides faster detections, stronger privacy, and lower operating costs. You can see an example of this approach in our Spartan Series edge AI devices, which analyse video locally and remain fully operational even when offline.
2. Generative AI and Contextual Understanding
Beyond detection, Generative AI is transforming how systems interpret video. Hanwha Vision predicts that edge devices will soon “understand intent and event sequences,” such as linking loitering, climbing, and intrusion into one contextual event.
Similarly, Scylla AI notes that behavioural analytics, crowd-flow mapping, and anomaly recognition are among the fastest-growing uses of AI video analytics.
Prediction for 2026:
Cameras will evolve from identifying what happened to understanding why it happened. We’ll see systems that generate natural-language incident reports, provide explainable alerts, and support multilingual operators — essential for global GEO deployments.
3. Hybrid and VSaaS Architectures Dominate
In 2025, the debate between on-premises and cloud systems gave way to a middle ground: hybrid deployment. Reports show that VSaaS (Video Surveillance as a Service) and hybrid models are expanding fast (Security Magazine; Eagle Eye Networks).
Prediction for 2026:
Hybrid architectures will continue to gain traction. Edge devices will process analytics locally while selectively offloading footage to secure cloud storage.
Smaller installations may adopt subscription models, but large enterprises and public-sector deployments will keep favouring local processing to maintain control and meet compliance.
4. Privacy-First and Cyber-Resilient Design
As video systems grow more connected, the risks grow too. This year alone, both Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure experienced infrastructure flaws that affected millions of users. In 2025, cybersecurity and data-privacy compliance became top priorities. Industry analyses highlight privacy masking, encryption, and secure-boot firmware as key development areas (Pixako).
Prediction for 2026:
Manufacturers will increasingly adopt “security-by-design”, encrypting data at rest and in transit while providing localised data control. Regions such as EMEA and APAC will enforce stricter data-handling policies, requiring vendors to prove compliance through audits and third-party certifications.
When evaluating systems, check how firmware updates are handled, how footage is encrypted, and whether your data stays within your jurisdiction.
Privacy compliance is quickly becoming a key competitive advantage.
5. Multi-Sensor and Low-Light Hardware Innovation
The hardware race in 2025 centred on multi-sensor cameras, wide-angle coverage, and improved low-light imaging. Facilities Management Advisor notes that multi-sensor units now cover larger areas with fewer devices, improving both security and cost efficiency.
Prediction for 2026:
We’ll see broader adoption of fusion sensors (thermal + visible) and energy-efficient camera designs that support solar or battery power.
For GEO deployments such as ports, border crossings, and remote oil and gas sites, these innovations will provide continuous visibility even in harsh environments
6. Smarter Cities and Analytics Beyond Security
Video analytics are no longer limited to threat detection. In 2025, organisations began using surveillance data for traffic flow, retail analysis, and industrial efficiency (Avidbeam).
This trend shows how real-time data from surveillance systems can become actionable insights.
We have seen this ourselves across the US and Europe through our Traffic Analyzer device. As seen in our various deployments, across diverse environments it enables better decision-making by optimising traffic flow, crowd management, and infrastructure readiness.
Prediction for 2026:
Expect more cross-functional analytics – one camera network supporting both safety and operational insight. Smart-city authorities in the Middle East, APAC, and Europe are already investing in such systems, combining edge AI with cloud dashboards to improve mobility and resource allocation.
7. Sustainability and Power Efficiency
Environmental responsibility became an important focus in 2025. Publications like Security Magazine highlight the rise of low-power and solar-integrated systems.
Prediction for 2026:
The market will move toward sustainable surveillance. Devices will be optimised for energy efficiency, minimal cooling, and longer lifecycles.
Remote areas will increasingly rely on renewable-powered towers and intelligent standby modes that save energy during low-activity hours.
8. Market Growth and Open Ecosystems
Research and Markets projects the global video-surveillance market will reach $188 billion by 2035, growing nearly 11% annually.
Omdia adds that openness and interoperability are driving a shift away from proprietary systems toward connected ecosystems.
Prediction for 2026:
Integration will define success. Manufacturers will focus on open APIs, third-party integrations, and cooperative partner programmes.
For integrators, this means more flexibility; for end-users, it means scalable and future-ready systems.
Final Thoughts: The Road to 2026
The momentum built in 2025 has set the stage for a transformative year ahead. The defining video security trends in 2026 will combine smarter edge AI, greater privacy, and more sustainable design, all while blending the worlds of physical and cyber security.
As customers move away from cloud dependency and demand stronger data sovereignty, edge AI and local processing are becoming essential rather than optional. At Monitoreal, this philosophy has guided us from the start.
If you’re among the growing number of organisations seeking to reduce false alarms, protect privacy, and embrace the next era of intelligent surveillance, perhaps our Spartan Series is the logical next step toward secure, subscription-free AI video analytics.