Quantum computing is one of the most important advances in the world of technology, and its potential is nothing short of enormous. Behind the idea of quantum computers are the principles of quantum mechanics. This is where the behaviour of subatomic particles is based on the rules of probability rather than on certainty. Quantum computers themselves use quantum bits or qubits. These can exist in multiple states simultaneously and this allows them to process information in ways that traditional computers can’t. This opens up a range of new possibilities when it comes to solving problems that were previously classed as insurmountable. This includes complex simulations, cryptography, and optimisation problems. Looking ahead to 2026-2027, the prospects of what could be delivered are continuing to develop.

The Current State of Quantum Computers

As of 2025, quantum computing is very much in its infancy, but significant developments have been made. We have seen leading tech companies, such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft, showcasing quantum computers that are already capable of solving problems at speeds that can’t be matched by classic supercomputers. An example can be seen by looking at Google in 2019. Here, the company used its quantum computer to perform a calculation that would have taken a traditional computer thousands of years to complete.

Despite this, quantum computers are still a long way off being ready for wider use. Down to the delicate nature of qubits, the majority of quantum systems are prone to errors and so can not be completely relied upon. There’s a need to keep them at extremely low temperatures so that they can operate, but they are still highly susceptible to interference from their environment. This makes them difficult to maintain and scale. This means that these computers are only found in the world of academic research and experimental labs with very few commercial applications.

Breakthroughs Expected by 2026-2027

With quantum computing being nowhere near ready for a widespread roll out, there are still significant advancements expected to be made by 2026-2027. Over the next year or two, the big focus will be on finding solutions to key challenges, such as qubit coherence, error correction, and system scalability. Here’s a closer look:

• Error correction: Perhaps the biggest issue to be addressed before quantum computers can be seen as practical is that of error correction. Qubits are extremely sensitive to their environment and it only takes a small disturbance to create errors in calculations. Right now, there are researchers who are working on developing error correction codes that are able to correct these errors in real time. This will make quantum computing much more reliable and, by 2026-2027, it’s expected that quantum error correction will have developed to such a stage where quantum computers will be viable for even more complex tasks.

• Scalability: The number of qubits in quantum computers has steadily increased over the years, but there are major challenges when it comes to scaling systems to the point where they can be used for real-world problems. As it stands, quantum processors have tens of qubits. For a quantum computer to be truly powerful, there is a need for thousands, or even millions, of these. There are advances in quantum hardware, such as superconducting qubits and trapped ions, and these are expected to push progress towards systems towards being larger and more stable. When we reach the mid 2020s, it is possible that quantum computers could actually have thousands of qubits and this would open the door to solving more practical problems.

• Hybrid systems: It’s highly likely that a hybrid approach will be taken in the next few years. This would see traditional computers being combined with quantum ones. These systems would benefit from the pros that each technology has, with the quantum aspect being responsible for the most complex calculations and the traditional system running other elements.

Real-World Applications by 2026-2027

Right now, there’s no way of purchasing a quantum computer for personal use but, by 2026-2027, several industries are likely to benefit from quantum computing. Some of the likely applications include:

• Cryptography and security: One of the most talked about applications of quantum computers is in the field of cryptography. Current encryption methods, like RSA, rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers but quantum computers would be able to break these systems in a matter of seconds using Shor’s algorithm. As a result of this, quantum safe encryption methods are being developed and this will protect data from future quantum attacks. Industries set to benefit from this are banking, defence, and governments.

• Casino games aggregation solutions: In the entertainment sector, casino games aggregation solutions could benefit from quantum computing by offering more accurate simulations of random events and also creating  more sophisticated algorithms for gaming. Quantum algorithms could be used to optimise game fairness and enhance randomness.

• Drug discovery and healthcare: Quantum computers could also have a major impact on drug discovery by simulating molecular interactions in a detailed way that can’t be matched by traditional computers. Pharmaceutical companies could be using quantum in 2026-2027 to model complex biological systems and predict the behaviour of molecules. This would accelerate the development of new drugs.

• Optimisation problems: Industries like logistics, transportation, and finance face optimisation problems that are complex and need significant computing power to solve. Quantum computers have the potential to speed up the solving of these problems and that would lead to more efficient supply chains, better traffic management, and financial models that are more accurate.

• Climate modelling and sustainability: Quantum computers will play a major role in solving environmental challenges. Quantum simulations will allow researchers to model climate change with more accuracy and allow for the prediction of weather patterns and strategies that may be able to mitigate the impact of global warming.

Final Thoughts

The prospects for quantum computing over the next couple of years are extremely promising. While there’s no real chance of seeing fully functional quantum computers in homes and businesses at this point, the technology will have matured enough so that it will be having a meaningful impact.