McDonald’s is entering 2026 amid one of the most ambitious transitions in its history, rolling out changes that range from global expansion and new payment rules to high-tech kitchens and major menu updates.
At the center of the company’s plans is rapid growth. McDonald’s intends to open more than 8,000 new restaurants worldwide as part of a broader push to reach at least 50,000 locations globally by the end of 2027. Much of that expansion will be concentrated in fast-growing markets across Asia, the Middle East, South America and parts of Europe, though the U.S. footprint is also expected to grow by about 7%. Many of the new restaurants will showcase updated designs and technologies rather than replicating older layouts.
Customers paying with cash will also notice a change. Beginning in 2026, McDonald’s will implement rounding for cash transactions, a response to the U.S. Treasury’s decision to stop producing new pennies. Cash totals will be rounded up or down, while credit and debit card payments will remain exact. The company says the approach mirrors systems already used in countries such as Canada, but it could mean small price differences for customers who continue to pay with cash.
Behind the counter, McDonald’s kitchens are set for a technological overhaul through a partnership with Google Cloud. Artificial intelligence tools will monitor equipment, predict maintenance issues, and help manage cooking times and ingredient preparation. The goal is to reduce downtime, limit waste and deliver more consistent food quality across locations.
The drive-thru, which accounts for roughly 70% of McDonald’s orders, is also being reworked. Improved AI-powered order-taking is expected to return after earlier trials were pulled due to accuracy issues. The company is also expanding multi-lane drive-thrus and adding dedicated lanes for mobile order pickups in high-traffic areas.
Digital ordering will play an even larger role. Enhancements to the McDonald’s app are designed to speed up mobile orders, improve accuracy and expand loyalty rewards. The company expects card and mobile payments to become the default as cash use declines, with a long-term goal of mobile orders accounting for about 30% of all transactions by 2027.
Menu changes are also on the way. McDonald’s plans to introduce new specialty beverages inspired by its experimental spinoff, CosMc’s, bringing colorful, dessert-style drinks to hundreds of traditional locations. At the same time, a revamped “Best Burger” initiative will aim to improve bun quality, cooking techniques and consistency across its core burger lineup.
Chicken will take on a larger role as well. With chicken sales rivaling beef in some markets, McDonald’s is planning new wraps, upgraded sandwiches and potential U.S. introductions of popular international chicken items.
Source: Mashed