Summary: This article summarizes the principal updates and conceptual advances presented in the 2026 report of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and continues to generate a substantial socioeconomic burden. The new edition reinforces early identification of individuals at risk and prioritizes prevention of future events, particularly exacerbations. A key innovation is the transition from static grading of airflow limitation toward the dynamic concept of disease activity, aimed at improving risk prediction and therapeutic precision. The spirometric threshold of a post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio below 0.7 is retained, but must be interpreted alongside symptoms and exposure history. GOLD 2026 further advances personalized care by integrating exacerbation history, biomarkers, imaging, and comorbidities into decision-making. Special attention is devoted to preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), recognized as a population vulnerable to progression and cardiovascular events. Pharmacologic treatment continues to rely on A, B, and E categories for initiation, while follow-up assessment becomes central for evaluating response, inhaler technique, and adherence, enabling tailored escalation or de-escalation. Preference is given to single-inhaler combinations to improve consistency of therapy. Exacerbations are defined as pivotal biological events linked to accelerated decline, worse quality of life, and excess mortality, with a strong association with cardiovascular complications. Updated vaccination strategies reinforce influenza prevention and include adult RSV immunization in high-risk patients. A new chapter on artificial intelligence highlights future opportunities in prediction, monitoring, and decision support. Collectively, these changes mark a move toward predictive, proactive, and individualized COPD management.