January closed its chapter, leaving behind more than just a new calendar page. Across commerce platforms, quiet updates and strategic shifts began laying the foundation for the year ahead. These changes are set to influence how teams build, secure, and scale their digital commerce experiences. This roundup brings together those early moves, with a strong focus on platform updates, along with a snapshot of industry developments and upcoming events worth watching as 2026 unfolds.
Platform Updates
Adobe Commerce Cloud Service: January 2026 Release
Adobe has rolled out the January 2026 release for Adobe Commerce as a Cloud Service, bringing a mix of feature enhancements and platform improvements. This update includes expanded B2B storefront capabilities, better GraphQL support, and improved shipment tracking through clickable links in emails. Adobe has also strengthened security with Google reCAPTCHA Enterprise and enhanced observability using OpenTelemetry. Alongside these changes, the release delivers multiple bug fixes and performance optimizations across the platform.
Adobe Commerce Shifts to a Monthly Patch Cycle in 2026
Adobe Commerce is making a significant change to its maintenance model by moving from quarterly bundled patches to a monthly patch release schedule starting in January 2026. Under this new cadence small isolated security fixes will be issued each month, allowing faster response to vulnerabilities, while a larger annual security bundle and full platform patch are planned for May every year. These changes apply to both Adobe Commerce and Magento Open Source, giving merchants a clearer and more manageable upgrade path in 2026 and beyond.
Shopify Improves Storefront Performance with Liquid Code Updates
Shopify announced an update to how Liquid code is processed across storefront themes, improving reliability and long-term maintainability. The changes run automatically in the background and do not affect how live storefronts look or function. Some theme files may include informational comments, but no action is required from merchants. This update is part of Shopify’s broader effort to make storefronts faster and better prepared for future platform improvements.
Shopify January 2026: “The Renaissance Edition” & Agentic Commerce
In January 2026, Shopify released its Winter ’26 “Renaissance Edition,” marking a major platform evolution toward agentic commerce, where AI agents can interact with stores and even complete purchases without traditional navigation. This update introduces Agentic Storefronts and new AI-driven channels that make product catalogs accessible directly through AI assistants and conversational platforms. The changes emphasize automation, structured data readiness, and unified commerce across devices and AI environments, signalling a shift from static web stores to AI-native commerce ecosystems.
Akinon Platform Releases January 2026 Updates
Akinon rolled out updates across Commerce Cloud, Omnitron, OMS, and Seller Center, bringing improvements that make managing orders and price lists easier. Data exports have been enhanced, and new support request options are now available directly in the Support Center. Several bug fixes and compatibility tweaks have also been made to improve overall stability. These updates aim to simplify workflows and make daily operations smoother for commerce teams.
Industry Updates
Google Chrome Adds Gemini AI & Agentic Auto-Browse Features
Google has updated its Chrome browser with deeper Gemini AI integration, placing the assistant in a persistent sidebar that can help users across multiple tabs and tasks. The release includes “auto browse” agentic features that allow Gemini to autonomously perform multi-step actions like researching, filling forms, and assisting with planning, while prompting the user for confirmation on sensitive steps. Chrome also adds Nano Banana image tools and will introduce Personal Intelligence to provide more personalized assistance based on integrated Google services.
LinkedIn Lets Users Show Vibe Coding Skills With Certificates
LinkedIn announced a new feature that lets professionals display verified AI and vibe coding skill certificates on their profiles, based on how they actually use partner tools like Replit, Lovable, Descript, and Relay.app. These certificates are generated automatically from real world usage patterns in supported AI apps, rather than traditional tests or self reported skills. Once earned, the badges appear alongside other professional qualifications, helping users demonstrate credibility in AI assisted development.
Walmart Moves AI From Experiments to Core Strategy
Walmart has shared that AI is no longer just an experiment for the company but a key part of how its shopping experience will evolve. The retailer is using AI to improve product discovery, personalize shopping, and simplify tasks for store associates and teams behind the scenes. Tools like AI-powered shopping assistants are being positioned to reduce friction across both online and in-store journeys. This signals a shift toward AI becoming a foundational layer in Walmart’s retail strategy.
Upcoming Events
Meet Magento Florida 2026 Conference Is Happening in February
The Meet Magento Florida 2026 event is confirmed for February 4 – 5, 2026 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. This two day in-person conference will bring together Magento and Adobe Commerce merchants, developers, industry leaders, and technology partners for expert sessions, networking, and insights into the platform’s future. Attendees can expect a mix of business focused keynotes, technical tracks, and community activities designed to foster learning and collaboration. It’s supported by the Magento Association and Adobe Commerce, making it one of the key eCommerce ecosystem events of the year.
Registration link: https://meetmagentofl.com/product/buy-mmfl-passes/
Web Summit Qatar 2026 Confirmed for February
The Web Summit Qatar 2026 tech conference is confirmed to take place from February 1 to 4, 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) in Qatar, bringing together tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and global tech leaders. The third edition of this flagship regional event will feature more than 1,600 startups and over 400 speakers across multiple tracks, covering innovation, AI, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. Tickets and event information are available on the official summit site ahead of the show.
Registration link: https://qatar.websummit.com/tickets/attendees/
RLC Global Forum 2026 Scheduled in Riyadh
The 2026 RLC Global Forum is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 3 – 4, 2026, bringing together senior leaders from retail, eCommerce, technology, investment, and policy. The event, themed “Growth Crossroads,” will feature strategic discussions, industry presentations, and sessions designed to foster collaboration across sectors as markets evolve. This flagship gathering is positioned as a critical meeting point for decision makers and influencers in the retail and consumer industries.
Registration link: https://www.registrationrlcglobalforum.com/event/c55d2e62-e671-4de3-a430-c21f49476d6e/regProcessStep1
Big Box Summit Indonesia 2026 Announced for March
The Big Box Summit Indonesia 2026 is confirmed to take place on March 18 – 19, 2026, in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing together leaders in retail, commerce, innovation, and technology from across the Asia-Pacific region. The event promises a mix of keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and panel discussions focused on navigating the future of retail, brand experience, and customer engagement strategies. Attendees can expect insights on trends like AI, supply chain evolution, and omnichannel strategies shaping the industry.
Registration link: https://www.bigboxsummit.com/indonesia2026/#register
WAM Saudi 2026: World Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics Event
The WAM Saudi 2026 event is confirmed to take place from February 15 – 17, 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre in Saudi Arabia. This global gathering will bring together industry leaders, innovators, investors, and exhibitors to explore advanced manufacturing, smart logistics, automation, and tech driven industrial transformation. Organised by KAOUN International in association with GITEX Global, the event is expected to attract tens of thousands of professionals from over 45 countries, offering networking, insights, and exhibitions across multiple co-located sectors. Registration link: https://visit.wamsaudi.com/reg/1AXuJJ1I0R1EBopnXwoSwUgUVgEGSarmkqX9OLhr7?utm_source=website&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=wamsaudi
