CES 2026 once again showcased a range of intriguing new products and technologies this year, from robot vacuums with legs to gaming laptops with a rollable ultra-wide display. That said, the iFixit “Worst in Show” awards argue that some new technologies also pose risks, both for users and the environment.
Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 🇩🇪
Today is the final day of CES 2026, the world’s largest electronics trade show that takes place in Las Vegas every year. CES delivered a range of notable innovations, from dozens of laptops based on Intel Panther Lake to a robot vacuum that can climb stairs thanks to two legs, and even new cellulose-based batteries.
Anyhow, the repair experts at iFixit are not honoring the best products, but have filtered out the worst products that have been introduced at CES this year. Across several categories, iFixit shows that new features are often accompanied by risks in relation to personal privacy, consumers’ finances or the environment.
Worst environmental sin: Lollipop Star
The so-called Lava Lollipop Star combines the flavor of a lollipop with a vibration module. When you bite into the lollipop, the vibrations are intended to generate music, using your head as a resonance chamber. The catch? Once the lollipop has been consumed, it’s headed into the trash. There is no way to replace the battery, so it’s a single-use product that only offers a few minutes of fun. For this reason, iFixit is giving the Lollipop Star the “Worst of Show” award for the worst environmental impact.
Worst enshittification: Bosch eBike Lock
For iFixit, “enshittification” means making a product worse with new features. This award goes to Bosch for the so-called eBike Lock. The criticized feature is intended to make Bosch e-bikes less attractive to thieves, as the motor does not work until it has been unlocked via a smartphone app. However, the eBike Lock also introduces parts pairing, so that replacement parts can no longer be used if they haven’t been purchased from Bosch and authorized for the exact bike. This is reminiscent of the Apple iPhone and drastically restricts the availability of spare parts for e-bikes.
Worst privacy: Amazon Ring security system
iFixit found the worst privacy violations at Amazon, as its new Ring smart home cameras and the Ring Video Doorbell collect more personal data than ever before. This ranges from constantly enabled facial recognition to Ring mobile surveillance stations that can monitor public areas 24/7. Furthermore, the app store sends this data to third party providers. Amazon aims to convince customers that more surveillance means better security, and for this, the company receives a “Worst in Show” award.
Worst cybersecurity: Merach Ultra treadmill
In 2026, even treadmills have multiple sensors, internet access and AI, all of which can collect personal information, including potentially sensitive fitness and health data. Therefore, the award for the worst cybersecurity goes to the Chinese company Merach, primarily because the company explicitly states that the protection of the collected data cannot be guaranteed.
“Worst in Show” goes to…
Both the award for the worst repairability and the overall worst product have been awarded to the latest Samsung smart fridge, which replaces the door handle with a motor and AI that reacts to a trigger word such as “open sesame.” iFixit has concerns that the refrigerator will become even more complex. Since Samsung is already struggling with defective compressors, touchscreens and ice makers, such a mechanism might result in even more defective refrigerators.
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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher – Senior Tech Writer – 19617 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.
Translator: Enrico Frahn – Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer – 6063 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.
Hannes Brecher, 2026-01- 9 (Update: 2026-01- 9)
