Five Trends to Watch in Endpoint Management in 2026

This IDC Market Perspective outlines five key developments in endpoint device management that will shape the market in 2026, including the decoupling of OS-specific management planes, the rise of life-cycle intelligence, outcome-based management models, the need to manage invisible endpoints, and the emergence of management-optional devices. "As endpoint estates grow in diversity and AI capabilities, technology suppliers must provide data-driven, integrated, and risk-aware endpoint device management platforms that meet evolving operational, security, and digital employee experience requirements," says Phil Hochmuth, program vice president, Endpoint Device Management and Enterprise Mobility at IDC.