For years, the neon green branding of Ryobi has been synonymous with DIY home renovation. Walk into any garage across the country, and you are likely to find a drill, a saw, or a leaf blower powered by their ubiquitous battery platform. However, the landscape of cordless technology is shifting rapidly. The same lithium-ion technology that drives screws into drywall is now being repurposed to power camping trips, cleaning routines, and backyard entertainment. As we look ahead to the product roadmap for the coming year, it is clear that the brand is expanding its horizons well beyond the workshop. The anticipated lineup of Ryobi products coming out in 2026 reflects a strategic pivot toward lifestyle, leisure, and automated home maintenance. This shift is not entirely unexpected. Over the last few years, we have seen fans, radios, and even bug zappers join the 18V ONE+ family. But the upcoming 2026 releases take this concept to a new level of sophistication. We are no longer just looking at novelties; these are high-performance lifestyle devices designed to compete with specialized outdoor and home goods brands. For homeowners who are already invested in the battery ecosystem, these new additions offer a compelling reason to stick with the green team. From advanced cooling technology to smart home cleaning solutions, here is a detailed look at the non-tool innovations expected to hit the shelves soon.
The Evolution of the 18V ONE+ and 40V Ecosystems
Before diving into the specific products, it is important to understand the technological backbone facilitating these releases. The success of these new lifestyle products hinges entirely on the versatility of the 18V ONE+ and 40V battery platforms. Historically, power tool batteries were designed for short bursts of high-torque energy—ideal for drilling a hole or making a saw cut. However, lifestyle products require a different power delivery profile. They often need sustained, consistent energy draw over hours or even days. The advancements we are seeing in 2026 are largely due to improvements in cell density and power management within the battery packs themselves. The newer “High Performance” (HP) batteries are not just about delivering more power to a hammer drill; they are about efficiency. This efficiency allows for devices like coolers, lights, and audio equipment to run longer without the heavy bulk previously associated with portable power. This evolution means that the battery you use to trim your hedges on Saturday morning can now power your campsite all weekend long.
1. The 18V ONE+ Dual-Temperature Powered Cooler
One of the most highly anticipated additions to the lineup is a significant upgrade to portable food storage. While powered coolers have existed in the overlanding and RV communities for years, they have often been prohibitively expensive or required bulky 12V car connections. The new 18V ONE+ Dual-Temperature Powered Cooler aims to democratize this technology for the average tailgater and camper. Unlike a standard ice chest that relies on melting ice to keep contents cold, this unit utilizes active compressor technology powered entirely by the 18V battery system. The “Dual-Temperature” designation is the standout feature here. It allows users to partition the cooler, keeping beverages ice-cold in one section while maintaining a freezing temperature in the other for ice cream or frozen meats. This eliminates the soggy sandwich problem that plagues traditional coolers. The design is expected to feature ports for two batteries to extend runtime, allowing the unit to switch automatically to the second battery once the first is depleted. For users who already own multiple 4Ah or 6Ah batteries, this effectively provides days of off-grid cooling without ever needing to buy a bag of ice. This product creates a bridge between heavy-duty job site needs—keeping lunch and water cold for a crew—and recreational family use.
2. 40V HP Brushless Robotic Pool Skimmer
Ryobi has been making waves in the cleaning category with stick vacuums and spot cleaners, but 2026 marks a bold entry into automated outdoor maintenance. The 40V HP Brushless Robotic Pool Skimmer is designed to take the hassle out of surface cleaning for pool owners. While there are many robotic pool cleaners that crawl along the floor, surface skimming is often left to the pool’s filtration system or a manual net. This device operates autonomously, floating across the water’s surface to collect leaves, bugs, and pollen before they sink to the bottom. Powered by the robust 40V battery platform, which is typically reserved for lawn mowers and string trimmers, this skimmer boasts an impressive runtime. The use of a brushless motor ensures that the device is not only energy-efficient but also whisper-quiet, allowing it to run during backyard gatherings without causing a disturbance. Sensors integrated into the unit detect obstacles and pool walls, creating an efficient cleaning path that ensures total coverage. For pool owners, this represents a significant time-saver and reduces the load on the main pool filter pump. It is a prime example of how battery technology is moving from “power tools” to “smart home robotics.”
3. USB Lithium Heated Stadium Blanket
On the lighter side of the spectrum, the expansion of the 4V USB Lithium line continues to impress. This smaller battery platform, which powers rotary tools and screwdrivers, is finding a massive niche in personal comfort. The USB Lithium Heated Stadium Blanket is a direct response to the growing demand for heated apparel and accessories. Perfect for cold autumn football games, camping trips, or drafty workshops, this blanket features integrated carbon fiber heating elements. The USB Lithium battery docks discreetly into a hidden pocket, providing hours of warmth on demand. What makes this product particularly clever is the portability of the power source. Since the USB Lithium batteries are compact and rechargeable via standard USB-C cables, users can easily swap them out or charge them in the car on the way to an event. The blanket is constructed with durable, weather-resistant materials on the exterior to handle stadium bleachers or damp grass, while the interior remains soft and comfortable. This product highlights Ryobi’s strategy of creating “add-on” purchases—small, useful items that encourage consumers to buy into the battery platform at a lower price point.
4. 18V ONE+ Verse Link Tower Speaker
Job site radios have been around for decades, but the 18V ONE+ Verse Link Tower Speaker is not just a rugged radio; it is a high-fidelity audio system designed for large outdoor spaces. Leveraging the success of the Verse clamp speaker system, this tower unit is designed to be the centerpiece of backyard parties, tailgates, or large renovation projects. The “Link” in the name suggests compatibility with Ryobi’s modular storage system, meaning this speaker can likely stack or lock onto existing rolling storage crates. Audio quality is the main focus here, with dedicated subwoofers and tweeters capable of projecting clear sound over the noise of power tools or a crowded party. Connectivity is key for 2026. The speaker features advanced Bluetooth 5.3 range, allowing for a stable connection even if your phone is in your pocket across the yard. Furthermore, it supports multi-speaker pairing. If you have other Verse speakers, you can synchronize them to play the same audio, creating an immersive surround-sound environment without running a single extension cord. This moves the brand into direct competition with consumer electronics companies that specialize in portable party speakers.
5. 18V ONE+ High-Visibility Area Light with LINK Integration
Lighting is a category where Ryobi has consistently innovated, and the new High-Visibility Area Light continues this trend. While they already offer work lights, this specific model is designed with a dual purpose: emergency preparedness and lifestyle ambiance. The standout feature of this light is its color temperature adjustability and diffusion capabilities. At full power, it acts as a blindingly bright security or work light, capable of illuminating a large backyard or a dark campsite. However, it also features “Warmer” modes and dimming capabilities that transform it into a pleasant lantern for evening social gatherings. Crucially, this light is designed to integrate seamlessly with the LINK wall storage and mobile travel systems. It features locking cleats that allow it to be mounted securely on a wall rail in the garage or clicked onto a rolling tool box. This solves a major pain point for users: storage. Instead of taking up shelf space, the light hangs neatly on the wall, ready to be grabbed when the power goes out or when you need to change a tire at night.
6. 18V ONE+ Portable Misting Cannon
Climate control is becoming a major focus for outdoor gear, and the 18V ONE+ Portable Misting Cannon is designed to beat the heat in serious conditions. While bucket-top misters have been popular, this new unit is a self-contained, high-velocity air mover. It is less of a personal fan and more of an environmental cooling solution for patios, sidelines, and animal comfort. The “Cannon” designation implies a focused, long-range air stream. The unit connects to a standard garden hose for continuous water supply or can draw from a bucket for portability. The innovation lies in the pump efficiency and the atomization of the water. Older misters often left everything damp; this new generation uses precision nozzles to create a flash-evaporation effect, cooling the air without soaking the user. This product is particularly appealing for parents of athletes playing summer sports or homeowners who want to enjoy their patios during the peak of summer. It reinforces the idea that your drill battery can literally change the temperature of your immediate environment.
Why the Shift to Lifestyle Matters
You might wonder why a tool company is investing so heavily in blankets, coolers, and speakers. The answer lies in brand loyalty and battery utilization. If a homeowner has four or five Ryobi batteries sitting on a charger, they are more likely to buy a Ryobi cooler than a generic one because they already own the power source. This reduces the “cost of entry” for the consumer. Furthermore, these products solve the problem of “battery dormancy.” For many DIYers, drills and saws are only used a few times a year. By offering products like lights, fans, and vacuums, Ryobi ensures that the batteries are getting used year-round, increasing the perceived value of the entire ecosystem.
Battery Safety and Management
With the expansion into lifestyle products, how we manage batteries changes. Continuous draw devices like coolers and lights deplete batteries differently than high-torque tools. It is worth noting that for these 2026 products, using high-capacity batteries (4Ah and above) is highly recommended. The smaller 1.5Ah batteries often bundled with drills may not provide the runtime needed for a full day at the beach. According to industry insights from sources like Pro Tool Reviews, modern lithium-ion batteries are equipped with sophisticated electronics to prevent overheating and deep discharge. This makes them safe for prolonged use in consumer electronics like speakers and blankets, provided they are genuine OEM batteries. Users should always check that their specific battery generation is compatible with newer lifestyle devices to ensure maximum efficiency.
The Future of the Green Ecosystem
As we look toward 2026, the line between “hardware store” and “home goods store” is blurring. The Ryobi products coming out in 2026 demonstrate a clear vision: a cordless future where one battery powers your work, your hobbies, and your relaxation. Whether it is keeping your drinks cold, your pool clean, or your music playing, the utility of the 18V and 40V platforms is reaching a maturity that few other battery systems can claim. These innovations offer exciting possibilities for those who love the outdoors or simply want a smarter, more automated home. By expanding into categories that traditionally relied on gas engines or extension cords, Ryobi is making a strong case for being the go-to brand not just for fixing a house, but for living in it. If you have been letting your batteries collect dust between renovation projects, 2026 will give you plenty of reasons to charge them up and get outside. Keep an eye on the aisles—these new lifestyle solutions are set to change the way we think about cordless power.
