At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, iPolish unveiled press-on acrylic smart nails that change color through an electric charge applied via a wand connected to a smartphone, enabling users to switch shades without salon visits.
The technology draws inspiration from a scene in the 1990 film Total Recall, where a receptionist alters her nail polish color using a digital pen. iPolish has developed a functional real-world equivalent for display at CES 2026, which runs from January 4 to January 9 in Las Vegas. The show floor opens on Tuesday following Monday’s press conferences.
To operate the nails, users charge the wand and pair it with their phone to select a desired color. They then touch the wand’s tip to the nail, delivering a brief electric charge that triggers the color shift. The company provided limited details on the mechanism, describing it as an electrochemical process occurring within the nail. A single nail requires approximately five seconds for the change, making the process efficient for all ten fingers.
Each nail supports up to 400 distinct colors and withstands unlimited color changes. This capability allows coordination with various outfits or moods without committing to a fixed palette until the next manicure or replacement.
The starter set prices at $95 and includes two complete sets of nails in different shapes. One set features the Ballerina cut, which measures relatively short. The other offers the Squoval cut, extending longer for varied style preferences. Users select shapes upfront, as reshaping risks damaging the embedded hardware essential for color functionality.
Replacement nails for lost or broken units cost $6.50 each, providing an option to maintain the full set over time. Shipping commences in June 2026, after which product quality and long-term reliability become assessable through user experiences.
