The adult products market has been undergoing a deep transformation for several years now, driven by sextech — the umbrella term for technologies applied to sexual pleasure and wellness. In 2026, this trend is no longer a niche play but a strategic segment that every retailer or specialty store needs to fold into their offering to stay competitive. App-control, artificial intelligence, biometric sensors and remote connectivity are reshaping both the end-user experience and the expectations placed on professional buyers. Demand for connected sex toys is growing faster than demand for traditional products, according to several sector market studies published in recent years. This growth is driven by a younger, more tech-savvy customer base and by the ongoing normalization of sexual wellness in mainstream conversation. For a wholesaler or brick-and-mortar shop, this means a catalog without connected offerings risks looking outdated to shoppers who are actively seeking innovation, personalization and discretion. Among the major trends of 2026, artificial intelligence integration takes center stage. New sex toy models feature algorithms that adjust vibration patterns, rhythms or intensity based on the user's physiological responses, captured through built-in sensors. This real-time personalization is a powerful selling point, especially for retailers looking to position themselves in the premium segment. Long-distance intimacy, or teledildonics, continues to gain traction as well. App-controlled, remotely operable devices let geographically separated couples maintain a shared intimate connection. This segment, fueled by the rise of remote work and long-distance relationships, represents a clear opportunity for online stores and physical retailers offering personalized guidance. Biometric sensors and biofeedback are emerging as another strong trend. Some products now track heart rate, body temperature or muscle response to deliver detailed feedback to the user, sometimes through a dedicated sexual wellness tracking app. These features appeal to a health- and performance-conscious customer base — a rapidly growing audience. Discreet technology remains a decisive factor for end consumers, and therefore an essential selling point for retailers. Manufacturers are focusing on sleek, quiet designs and apps that never reveal the product's nature on a smartphone screen. This discretion should be highlighted in product listings and merchandising, particularly to reassure customers who may still feel hesitant about purchasing intimate technology. On the materials front, 2026 sextech is aligning with the sustainability standards spreading across the wellness industry as a whole. Recyclable medical-grade silicone, long-life batteries with induction charging, and reduced packaging are all features gaining ground among brands that combine technological innovation with environmental responsibility — especially with urban, eco-conscious shoppers. For a wholesaler or professional retailer, adding these trends to a catalog comes with important considerations. It's essential to verify that connected products comply with applicable regulations, including CE marking, RoHS compliance for electronic components, and data protection requirements (such as GDPR in the EU or equivalent state and federal privacy laws in the US) whenever the companion app collects personal or biometric data. Data security is a major reputational issue: the industry has seen several high-profile data breach scandals in recent years, and consumers are now paying much closer attention to the reliability of apps paired with connected devices. Choosing the right supplier is equally critical. A solid B2B sextech partner should provide complete technical documentation, responsive after-sales support, regular software updates for companion apps, and ideally multilingual compatibility to serve an international customer base. Manufacturer warranties and the availability of spare parts or replacement accessories — like proprietary charging cables — are also key criteria when selecting SKUs for your catalog. From a merchandising standpoint, displaying connected products in a physical store calls for a different approach than traditional items. Interactive demo stations with connected tablets, QR codes linking to video tutorials, or themed sextech display cases all help showcase the technology without complicating the buying process. Training sales staff on app functionality and on how to address data privacy questions is also a key differentiator at the point of sale. Finally, sextech opens up compelling cross-selling opportunities for retailers. Connected storage pouches, cleaners formulated for electronic sensors, universal chargers, and VR accessories paired with certain products are all natural add-on SKUs to feature on shelves or in online cross-sell modules — boosting average order value while building customer loyalty. In 2026, sextech is no longer just a marketing buzzword — it's becoming a defining purchasing criterion for retailers and e-commerce platforms in the intimate wellness space. Professionals who can source reliable suppliers, ensure regulatory compliance for their connected products, and guide customers through adopting these technologies will hold a lasting competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.