The 2026 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report has been released, structured into six core chapters encompassing the definition and overview, diagnosis, assessment, and monitoring, prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), management of COPD exacerbations, COPD comorbidities, and a newly introduced chapter on COPD and emerging technologies. Compared with previous versions, the 2026 update introduces substantive revisions across several domains. Key revisions encompass updated epidemiological data on COPD disease burden, refined screening and case-finding strategies, revised immunization recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, a comprehensive overhaul of the definition, classification, and management of acute exacerbations, and an adjustment of the GOLD ABE classification with a lowered exacerbation risk threshold. The report also formally introduces the concept of "disease activity," clarifies distinctions between initial and follow-up treatment, incorporates evidence for biologics in specific phenotypic subgroups, enhances comorbidity assessment and management, and systematically addresses the applications and associated risks of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in COPD care. This article provides a systematic review and interpretation of these key updates, offering a structured and forward-looking synthesis to inform clinical practice and evidence-based guidance