This article outlines ten predictions for platform engineering by 2026, focusing on the integration of AI, improved developer experience, and robust governance. It highlights the need for platforms to evolve in response to rising demands for security, cost management, and compliance, ultimately reshaping the skills required for platform teams.

HCP Waypoint Actions have been launched to enable platform teams to expose Day 2+ operations and workflows to developers as push-button tasks. This feature allows for streamlined application lifecycle management, including custom and agent actions that facilitate operations in various environments.

Platform engineering is evolving towards a collaborative model known as Platform Democracy, where multiple teams, including developers and external providers, participate in shaping and maintaining internal platforms. This approach aims to eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies by allowing producers and consumers of platform capabilities to work together seamlessly, enhancing speed, safety, and efficiency. Tools like Kratix facilitate this shift by supporting a decentralized and democratic framework for platform development.